Robust multimaterial chalcogenide fibers produced by a hybrid fiber-fabrication process

Double-crucible cane fabrication of highly purified chalcogenide-glass was combined with multimaterial thermal fiber drawing to produce robust low-loss 0.2 NA chalcogenide fibers. Optical transmission losses were shown to be less than 1.1 dB/m at wavelengths of 1.5, 2.0 and 4.6 μm. Fiber transmission > 97% at the 1.5 μm design wavelength was demonstrated using single-layer anti-reflection coatings that were durable under temperature, humidity and abrasion tests. Tensile-strength tests proved that the mechanical strength of the fiber was improved by a factor of 1000 compared to a jacket-free chalcogenide fiber. Multiwatt power transmission in single mode fiber was demonstrated. © 2017 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: (160.2290) Fiber materials; (060.2280) Fiber design and fabrication;(060.2390) Fiber optics, infrared; (140.3070) Infrared and far-infrared lasers. References and links 1. J. Harrington, Infrared Fibers and Their Applications (SPIE Press, 2003). 2. G. Fernando, D. 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