0.27-dB/km attenuation achieved by MSP preform process (optical fibers)

Abstract

Several new glass fiber production processes have been studied in the past for low-cost production. Although some of them are still being considered for overcladding, mechanically shaped preforms (MSP) have been demonstrated to be the only remaining candidates to combine economic non CVD processing and low loss, with a published value of 0.63 dB/km and a size of 30 fkm/preform [l]. Improved processing has now resulted in a minimum loss of 0.27 dB/km at 1550 nm. Preforms capable of yielding 150 fkm have been produced. Although already considerably improved, reboiling during preform stretching and fiber pulling is identified as the last remaining problem of the process.