Development of new methodologies for the manufacture of optical fibers from exotic glasses

Abstract

The objective of this project is to develop a new methodology for preparing single-mode optical fiber precursor preforms, and consequent preparation and characterization of fibers with magneto-optical properties, derived from oxide glasses containing high concentrations of paramagnetic ions, such as Tb3+. The optical fiber precursor glasses will be prepared by the conventional melt-quenching method. The manufacture of single-mode magneto-optical fibers (core-cladding) employing the new methodology developed by the Laboratório de Vidros Especiais (LAViE) involves prior preparation of the core in the form of a rod and subsequent addition of the glass composition that forms the shell using the "melt-quenching" technique. The single-mode fibers will be pulled in an optical fiber-pulling tower. The thermal, structural, and optical properties of precursor glasses and fibers will be studied by Thermal Analysis (DSC and DMTA), X-Ray Diffraction, UV-Vis-NIR, Raman and M-Lines Spectroscopy, Optical Microscopy, and Luminescence. Investigations of the magneto-optical properties of glasses and optical fibers will be carried out based on the Faraday experiment, which involves measuring the rotation angle (¸) and subsequent calculation of Verdet constant (VB) values at different wavelengths. The attenuation values of the optical signal of the fibers will be obtained from the cut-back technique. The measurements of Raman and Brillouin Reflectometry (OTDR) - (Optical Time Domain Reflectometry) will be carried out by simulating the effects of temperature and deformation on the fibers, in addition to the possibility of characterizations of other photonic devices. (AU)