Fabrication of specialty optical fibers using flash vaporization method

Rare earth and metal ion doped optical fiber preforms have been produced using a novel flash vaporization method for precursor delivery [1] into substrate tube. TEOS and solutions of organometallic compounds, containing lanthanide, Al, Bi, Fe or Co were used. Use of TEOS and organometallic precursors makes this process similar to aerosol and sol-gel processes, but glass is laid down in thin layers in MCVD fashion, strongly relying on thermophoretic forces. Preforms with fully consolidated core layers have been made and were in most cases drawn to fibers. Results of these fibers and preform glass composition are discussed.