All-silica optical fiber bonding

Abstract

In this work, we demonstrate a spot-welding method for fabrication of all-silica fiber components. A CO2 laser was used to locally sinter sub-micron silica powders, enabling rigid bonding of optical fiber to glass substrates. The bonding was achieved without inducing any fiber transmission losses. The components showed no sign of deterioration or structural change when heated up to 1100 °C. These single material assemblies are therefore well suited for use in harsh environments where high stability and robustness is required.

Advances in laser‐based manufacturing techniques for specialty optical fiber

“…Although most of these techniques are still in the research phase, they may have a pivotal role in further optimization and fast development of new photonic platforms and devices. Examples include fiber arrays, 26 novel glass compositions, 21 hollow and multicore fibers, 81,119 or high doping levels. 124 Our recent development of LPD using a CO 2 laser combined with sub-micron powders enabled us to demonstrate various proofs-of-concept, such as coatings, fiber arrays, freestanding 3D printed structures, and customized glass rods.…”

“…Although most of these techniques are still in the research phase, they may have a pivotal role in further optimization and fast development of new photonic platforms and devices. Examples include fiber arrays, 26 novel glass compositions, 21 hollow and multicore fibers, 81,119 or high doping levels 124 …”

“…96 Powder-fed methods have also been investigated for soda-lime glass deposition. 97 Furthermore, the blown powder feedstock's laser sintering can be used to fabricate all-glass fiber arrays as demonstrated in Maniewski et al 26 Here, a low-power CO 2 laser pulse combined with blown fumed silica powder was used to create a permanent and highly robust bond between the quartz substrate and the silica fiber. The transparent, pure fused silica coatings and highly densified three-dimensional structures obtained via LC were demonstrated in our earlier work.…”

“…24 Therefore, silica-based fibers and fiber components are highly suitable for, for example, harsh environments. [25][26][27] Doping other substances into glass can further enhance and modify these properties. For instance, dopants can change thermal expansion, 28,29 melting temperature and viscosity, [30][31][32] photosensitivity, [33][34][35] and refractive index (RI) of the glass.…”

“…An ultra‐pure silica is characterized by high mechanical and chemical stability and a broad transmission window 24 . Therefore, silica‐based fibers and fiber components are highly suitable for, for example, harsh environments 25–27 . Doping other substances into glass can further enhance and modify these properties.…”