Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical fiber of the invention includes: preparing a direction changer; drawing a bare optical fiber from an optical fiber preform, thereby forming the bare optical fiber; providing a coated layer made of a resin on a periphery of the bare optical fiber; obtaining an optical fiber by curing the coated layer; changing a direction of the bare optical fiber by use of the direction changer; measuring a drawing velocity of the optical fiber; and adjusting a length of the bare optical fiber from a drawing unit to a coating unit by controlling a position of the direction changer based on a measurement value of the drawing velocity, the drawing unit forming the bare optical fiber, the coating unit providing the coated layer on the periphery of the bare optical fiber.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing an optical fiber. The method includes the steps of: heating and melting a silica-based optical fiber preform in a drawing furnace; drawing the melted preform into a linear shape from the drawing furnace, continuously cooling and solidifying the preform to form a bare optical fiber; coating the bare optical fiber with a resin to form an optical fiber; and continuously taking up the optical fiber while applying a tensile force, wherein, when a surface temperature of the cooled and solidified bare optical fiber reached down to 100° C. or lower, a surface of the bare optical fiber is reheated while applying a tensile force so as to remelt only a surface layer of the bare optical fiber, and the surface layer of the bare optical fiber is re-solidified, the bare optical fiber is coated with a resin, and the tensile force is released afterward.

Abstract: A method for producing a glass fiber, through longitudinally drawing a preform in a drawing kiln, wherein cooling the glass fiber is performed in at least three time periods, wherein the glass fiber is exposed to a first time based cooling rate above a crystallization temperature range, to a second time based cooling rate that is greater than the first time based cooling rate within the crystallization temperature range, and to a third time based cooling rate which is smaller than the second time based cooling rate below the crystallization temperature range.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for fabricating porous glass preforms, in which any damages of a reaction vessel due to the increase in thermal load to the reaction vessel can be controlled without enlarging the reaction vessel. A wall of the reaction vessel includes a plurality of rectangular inner wall metal plates that defines at least apart of inner side walls of the reaction vessel, adjacent inner wall metal plates of a plurality of inner wall metal plates of which being weld bonded at their edges, and a plurality of metal frame members having higher stiffness than that of the inner wall metal plates and being arranged along each edge region of the opposite surface of the inner side walls of each of the plurality of inner wall metal plates and fixed to the edge region by a tightening or welding means.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for making an optical fiber preform at low cost avoiding the apparatus from being damaged are provided. Apparatus for making an optical fiber preform by depositing glass particles on the circumferential surface of a glass rod comprises: a chamber, a plasma torch, a glass particle supplying part, a composition modification gas supplying part, and an exhaust part. The chamber surrounds the heating portion of the glass rod heated by the plasma torch. The plasma torch heats the glass particles by a plasma flame. The glass particle supplying part introduces glass particles towards the heating portion of the glass rod in the chamber. The composition modification gas supplying part introduces composition modification gas into the chamber in order to modify the composition of the glass particles to be deposited on the heating portion of the glass rod in the chamber.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to glass fiber forming bushings, to methods of controlling the temperature of bushings having multiple segments, to systems of controlling the temperature of bushings having multiple segments, and to other systems and methods. In one embodiment, a method of controlling the temperature of a bushing having multiple segments comprises forming a plurality of filaments from a bushing comprising at least two segments, gathering the filaments into at least two ends, measuring the size of each of the at least two ends, comparing the measured size of the at least two ends to a desired end size, adjusting the amount of current passing through the at least two bushing segments in response to the end size comparisons.

Abstract: An optical fiber end processing method includes the steps of: an optical fiber fixing step of fixing two parts of the optical fiber; a first heating step of heating a tip end side part of the optical fiber between two fixed parts fixed in the optical fiber fixing step, and melting the optical fiber of the tip end side heating part; a second heating step of heating a part on a base end side of the optical fiber between the fixed parts away from the tip end side heating part in a state that two parts of the optical fiber are fixed, and making the holes of the optical fiber disappear; and a removing step of removing the tip end side heating part after the second heating step.

Abstract: A method for producing a glass fiber, through longitudinally drawing a preform in a drawing kiln, wherein cooling the glass fiber is performed in at least three time periods, wherein the glass fiber is exposed to a first time based cooling rate above a crystallization temperature range, to a second time based cooling rate that is greater than the first time based cooling rate within the crystallization temperature range, and to a third time based cooling rate which is smaller than the second time based cooling rate below the crystallization temperature range.

Abstract: A method for forming an optical fiber includes drawing the optical fiber from a glass supply and treating the fiber by maintaining the optical fiber in a treatment zone wherein the fiber is cooled at a specified cooling rate. The optical fiber treatment reduces the tendency of the optical fiber to increase in attenuation due to Rayleigh scattering, and/or over time following formation of the optical fiber due to heat aging. Methods for producing optical fibers along nonlinear paths incorporating fluid bearings are also provided thereby allowing for increased vertical space for the fiber treatment zone.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to glass fiber forming bushings, to methods of controlling the temperature of bushings having multiple segments, to systems of controlling the temperature of bushings having multiple segments, and to other systems and methods. In one embodiment, a method of controlling the temperature of a bushing having multiple segments comprises forming a plurality of filaments from a bushing comprising at least two segments, gathering the filaments into at least two ends, measuring the size of each of the at least two ends, comparing the measured size of the at least two ends to a desired end size, adjusting the amount of current passing through the at least two bushing segments in response to the end size comparisons.

Abstract: In a glass processing method according to the invention, in the case of performing chemical vapor deposition or diameter shrinkage of a substrate glass tube G by relatively moving a heating furnace 20 comprising a heating element 21 for annularly enclosing the circumference of the substrate glass tube in a longitudinal direction of the substrate glass tube G with respect to the substrate glass tube G in which an outer diameter is 30 mm or more and a wall thickness is 3 mm or more and is less than 15 mm and an ovality of the outer diameter is 1.0% or less using a glass processing apparatus 1, a temperature of at least one of the heating element 21 and the substrate glass tube G is measured and the amount of heat generation of the heating element 21 is adjusted based on the measured temperature.

Abstract: In a glass processing method according to the invention, in the case of performing chemical vapor deposition or diameter shrinkage of a substrate glass tube G by relatively moving a heating furnace 20 comprising a heating element 21 for annularly enclosing the circumference of the substrate glass tube in a longitudinal direction of the substrate glass tube G with respect to the substrate glass tube G in which an outer diameter is 30 mm or more and a wall thickness is 3 mm or more and is less than 15 mm and an ovality of the outer diameter is 1.0% or less using a glass processing apparatus 1, a temperature of at least one of the heating element 21 and the substrate glass tube G is measured and the amount of heat generation of the heating element 21 is adjusted based on the measured temperature.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to glass fiber forming bushings, to methods of controlling the temperature of bushings having multiple segments, to systems of controlling the temperature of bushings having multiple segments, and to other systems and methods. In one embodiment, a method of controlling the temperature of a bushing having multiple segments comprises forming a plurality of filaments from a bushing comprising at least two segments, gathering the filaments into at least two ends, measuring the size of each of the at least two ends, comparing the measured size of the at least two ends to a desired end size, adjusting the amount of current passing through the at least two bushing segments in response to the end size comparisons.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming fibers or flakes of material comprises means (1) for producing a heated stream of molten material (9), means for feeding the stream in a substantially vertically downward direction and means (7) for receiving the downwardly directed stream and for forming fibers or flakes therefrom. The apparatus includes means (11, 13, 15, 17) for effecting a change in the temperature of the stream subsequent to the production thereof whereby fibers or flakes of a desired thickness are obtained. Instead of, or in addition to, the temperature changing means, there may be provided means for controlling the mass or volume flow of the stream. The invention also provides methods corresponding to the apparatus.

Abstract: A dehydration-sintering furnace for dehydrating and/or sintering an optical fiber preform for use in production of an optical fiber includes a muffle for accommodating the optical fiber preform, a heater for heating the muffle, and a pressure fluctuation absorbing apparatus connected to the muffle. Since the pressure fluctuation absorbing apparatus is thermally insulated from a room temperature atmosphere or heated, vapor produced in a dehydration-sintering process is prevented from condensing (liquefying) in a pressure fluctuation absorbing apparatus, thereby preventing reduced dehydration effectiveness in the muffle and reduced quality of the optical fiber preform.

Abstract: Inorganic fiber production processes and systems are disclosed. One process includes providing a molten inorganic fiberizable material, forming substantially vertical primary fibers from the molten material, and attenuating the primary fibers using an oxy-fuel fiberization burner. Other processes include forming a composition comprising combustion gases, aspirated air and inorganic fibers, and preheating a fuel stream and/or an oxidant stream prior to combustion in a fiberization burner using heat developed during the process. Flame temperature of fiberization burners may be controlled by monitoring various burner parameters. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Apparatus for forming fibres or flakes of material comprises means (1) for producing a heated stream of molten material (9), means for feeding the stream in a substantially vertically downward direction and means (7) for receiving the downwardly directed stream and for forming fibres or flakes therefrom. The apparatus includes means (11, 13, 15, 17) for effecting a change in the temperature of the stream subsequent to the production thereof whereby fibres or flakes of a desired thickness are obtained. Instead of, or in addition to, the temperature changing means, there may be provided means for controlling the mass or volume flow of the stream. The invention also provides methods corresponding to the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods for substantially improving the stability of a melting furnace system including bushings and cooling apparatus for converting molten mineral material to continuous fibers is disclosed. Apparatus and methods for maintaining the molten material throughput and the electrical power load on fiberizing bushings substantially constant are disclosed. The orifice plate, with or without tips or nozzles, is subjected to a more rapid rate of heat removal after the bushing breaks out than it did while the bushing was in a desired fiberizing mode. Apparatus for blowing cooling air upward onto the orifice plate during the time the bushing is breaking out and/or hanging to provide additional cooling is disclosed along with optional additional or alternative apparatus to use for optional additional or alternative cooling is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a glass processing method according to the invention, in the case of performing chemical vapor deposition or diameter shrinkage of a substrate glass tube G by relatively moving a heating furnace 20 comprising a heating element 21 for annularly enclosing the circumference of the substrate glass tube in a longitudinal direction of the substrate glass tube G with respect to the substrate glass tube G in which an outer diameter is 30 mm or more and a wall thickness is 3 mm or more and is less than 15 mm and an ovality of the outer diameter is 1.0% or less using a glass processing apparatus 1, a temperature of at least one of the heating element 21 and the substrate glass tube G is measured and the amount of heat generation of the heating element 21 is adjusted based on the measured temperature.

Abstract: In a glass processing method according to the invention, in the case of performing chemical vapor deposition or diameter shrinkage of a substrate glass tube G by relatively moving a heating furnace 20 comprising a heating element 21 for annularly enclosing the circumference of the substrate glass tube in a longitudinal direction of the substrate glass tube G with respect to the substrate glass tube G in which an outer diameter is 30 mm or more and a wall thickness is 3 mm or more and is less than 15 mm and an ovality of the outer diameter is 1.0% or less using a glass processing apparatus 1, a temperature of at least one of the heating element 21 and the substrate glass tube G is measured and the amount of heat generation of the heating element 21 is adjusted based on the measured temperature.

Abstract: A pressure detecting unit detects a pressure of supplying a resin to at least a hole for forming an innermost resin layer on an optical fiber from among a plurality of successive holes in a coating die. A control unit controls a discharge amount of a constant-rate pump that supplies the resin to the coating die in such a manner that a detected resin pressure becomes a predetermined value, and controls a temperature of the optical fiber so that the temperature of the optical fiber becomes a predetermined temperature in accordance with a variation of the discharge amount of the constant-rate pump.

Abstract: Incinerator ashes, which is obtained after treating municipal solid waste, incinerator ashes or its plasma vitrified slag is made into mineral fibers. Cullet is added during manufacturing the mineral fibers for conditioning. The mineral fibers thus obtained have a good strength and could raise value of recycled product. In addition, it could reduce impact of the incinerator ashes to the environment and environmental protection is achieved.

Abstract: A glass body with at least one curve is formed from a glass blank in bar form in a bending device for bending the glass blanks. The bending device has grippers which are movable in relation to one another. The glass blank is taken up by the grippers and clamped. Subsequently, the bending region between the grippers is heated up to a bending temperature by heating means. After that, the grippers are moved in a predetermined way, the bending region being freely bent. The advantageous effects of the invention are seen as being that any desired curves can be produced on glass blanks without requiring moulds that rely on pressing or contact. The free bending takes place without touching the surface in the heated-up bending region, so that instances of damage to the surface are avoided. This allows curved glass bodies with good optical properties to be produced.

Abstract: A fiberizing device for producing fibers from waste includes a housing having an inlet for receiving molten fluid. Two rollers are rotatably mounted in the housing and include a space therebetween through which the molten fluid passes. Each roller is in contact with at least one centrifugal wheel. The molten fluid is driven through the space and rolled in the space by the rollers. The rolled molten fluid is drawn by the centrifugal wheel when the rolled molten fluid comes in contact with the centrifugal wheel, with the rolled molten fluid drawn by the centrifugal wheel being cooled to form solid fibers.

Abstract: A bushing temperature controller includes a transformer 3 which supplies a main current I1 to the bushing 2 for accommodating molten glass, and regulation current supply units 7 and 8 which are adapted to supply regulation currents I2 and I3 either in phase with the main current I1 or in phase inverted to the main current I1 to a portion of a region to which the transformer 3 applies the current. Thus, the temperature control of partial regions 2a and 2c in the region to which the current is applied can be performed in a wide temperature range.

Abstract: Vapor Axial Deposition (VAD) apparatus and method is provided. The VAD apparatus includes a first torch, a second torch, a thermometer, a controller, and a moving device. The first torch grows a core by depositing a soot at an end of a soot preform arranged on an axis. The second torch grows a clad by depositing a soot on the face of the core. The thermometer detects the temperature of the end of the soot preform along the axis and the temperature of an other/lower portion of the core. The controller calculates a difference between a temperature (T1) of the end of the soot preform and a temperature (T4) of a lower portion of the core and controls the movement of the soot preform according to the difference. The moving device moves the soot preform along the axis according to the instruction of the controller.

Abstract: The double crucible for a glass drawing method has a heatable outer crucible (1) and an inner crucible (2) surrounded by the outer crucible (1), which is heatable separately from the outer crucible (1). Both crucibles (1,2) have an outlet nozzle (1a, 2a) for the glass to be drawn. To make glass fibers from heavy metal oxide glass (HMO-glass) with higher quality and comparatively simple crucible features, the outlet nozzle (1a) of the outer crucible (1) extends a certain distance beyond the outlet nozzle (2a) of the inner crucible (2). Surfaces of the outlet nozzles coming in contact with the glass melt are polished and are provided on a material, which has a reducing action on heavy metal glass in the melt in all cases. These surfaces also have sufficient mechanical strength for and chemical inertness to heavy metal oxide glass.

Abstract: A hybrid method of and apparatus for producing a structure capable of being drawn into an optical fiber. The method includes the steps of conducting vapor-phase reactants into an interior region of a glass tube, conducting aerosol form reactants into the interior of the glass tube. The tube is exposed to a heat, thereby causing a reaction among the vapor-phase and aerosol reactants. The reaction yields a product, in a solid form, within the tube. The apparatus includes a reaction tube, a vapor-phase reactant conduit, an aerosol-form conduit, and a heat source. The vapor-phase and aerosol-form reactant conduits facilitate introduction of vapor-phase and aerosol-form reactants into the reaction tube. The aerosol-form reactants are introduced proximate to a reaction zone created by the heat source. The aerosol-form reactants conduit and heat source travel the axial length of the reaction tube.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus 1 comprises a drawing furnace 11, a protecting tube 21, and a resin curing unit 31. A buffer chamber 41 is disposed between the drawing furnace 11 and the protecting tube 21, and has a length L1 in the drawing direction of the optical fiber 3. The buffer chamber 41 is constituted by a first buffer cell 42 and a second buffer cell 45. In the space within the buffer chamber 41, an He gas, which is an atmosphere gas within the drawing furnace 11, and the air, which is an atmosphere gas within the protecting tube 21, exist in a mixed state. The optical fiber 3 drawn upon heating in the drawing furnace 11 is fed to the protecting tube 21, and a predetermined part of the optical fiber 3 is annealed at a predetermined cooling rate. Thereafter, a coating die 62 coats the optical fiber 3 with a UV resin solution 63, and the resin curing unit 31 cures the UV resin 63, whereby a coated optical fiber 4 is obtained.

Abstract: A method of controlling process variables, for a fiberizing assembly including a rotary fiberizing disk in the manufacture of fibers from a high temperature, molten, clear or translucent, thermoplastic, fiberizable material, utilizes an optical sensor assembly. The optical sensor assembly includes a water-cooled optical fiber sensor probe which, in effect, only gathers light emitted from the external sidewall surface of the rotary fiberizing disk. The light is conducted from the probe to an electronic unit that converts the light energy into a temperature value. This temperature value is used to monitor the process and to make any changes in process variables, such as but not limited to heat input to the fiberizing disk, rate of rotation of the fiberizing disk, burner air/fuel ratio, required to produce fibers having desired fiber properties.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and an apparatus for sintering a gel tube formed by a sol-gel change. The sintering apparatus comprises a reaction chamber for accommodating the gel tube, sealed under a vacuum condition; a vacuum pump for adjusting the degree of vacuum inside the reaction chamber according to a control signal; a vacuum gauge for measuring the degree of vacuum inside the reaction chamber; a movable part for supporting the gel tube and for rotating and vertically moving the gel tube according to the control signal; a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature inside the reaction chamber; a heater for adjusting the temperature inside the reaction chamber according to the control signal so as to sinter the gel tube; and, a controller for controlling the vacuum pump, the heater, and the movable part for sintering the gel tube under the vacuum condition.

Abstract: A fiber drawing method according to the present invention is a drawing method of optical fiber for drawing an optical fiber 14 from one end of a fiber preform 13 by softening with heat, wherein the fiber preform 13 is set in a semi-closed space 10, 20 opening in part at a lower end in a fiber drawing furnace, the fiber preform 13 is heated by a heater 15 disposed on the lower end side of this semi-closed space 10, 20, and fiber drawing is carried out with adjusting a quantity of heat dissipation from the upper portion 20 of this semi-closed space.

Abstract: A bushing temperature controller includes a transformer 3 which supplies a main current 11 to the bushing 2 for accommodating molten glass, and regulation current supply units 7 and 8 which are adapted to supply regulation currents I2 and I3 either in phase with the main current I1 or in phase inverted to the main current I1 to a portion of a region to which the transformer 3 applies the current. Thus, the temperature control of partial regions 2a and 2c in the region to which the current is applied can be performed in a wide temperature range.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a glass base material which is an parent material of an optical fiber, comprising: a tank which contains a raw material of the glass base material to vaporize the raw material to generate a raw material in gas phase; a temperature control unit which controls a temperature of the raw material; and a pressure control unit which controls the pressure of the raw material in gas phase.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a glass preform includes supplying a first gaseous or vapor phase composition to a reaction chamber; supplying water as a second gaseous or vapor phase composition to the reaction chamber; reacting the water and the first gaseous or vapor phase composition to form an aerosol of glass particles; directing the aerosol along the reaction chamber, out of the reaction chamber, and toward a target; and depositing glass particles of the aerosol onto the target. The first gaseous or vapor phase composition is disposed to provide a hydrolyzable glass precursor. Walls of the reaction chamber have a temperature gradient in which a temperature of the walls increases in a direction of flow of the aerosol along the reaction chamber. Alternatively, a flow of the aerosol along the reaction chamber has a temperature gradient in which a temperature of the aerosol increases in the direction of flow.

Abstract: An end heating and processing method of an optical fiber preform. In this method, an optical fiber preform is processed by heating and melting an end of a vitrified optical fiber preform including a core portion and a cladding portion formed on an outer circumference thereof to process the end having a shape for drawing as an optical fiber.

Abstract: A method of controlling process variables, for a fiberizing assembly including a rotary fiberizing disk in the manufacture of fibers from a high temperature, molten, clear or translucent, thermoplastic, fiberizable material, utilizes an optical sensor assembly. The optical sensor assembly includes a water-cooled optical fiber sensor probe which, in effect, only gathers light emitted from the external sidewall surface of the rotary fiberizing disk. The light is conducted from the probe to an electronic unit that converts the light energy into a temperature value. This temperature value is used to monitor the process and to make any changes in process variables, such as but not limited to heat input to the fiberizing disk, rate of rotation of the fiberizing disk, burner air/fuel ratio, required to produce fibers having desired fiber properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for low polarization mode dispersion. The apparatus is operative to draw an optical fiber from a prepared preform using a draw tower and includes (a) a main heating source serving to heat the preform; and, (b) a stationary auxiliary heating source disposed below the main heating source, adjacent to the optical fiber drawn from the preform, for serving to locally and periodically heating the drawn optical fiber so as to remove residual stresses from the optical fiber, thereby minimizing polarization mode dispersion.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes a method of making an optical fiber drawn from a multiple crucible. The method includes moving a first crucible of the multiple crucible relative to a second crucible of the multiple crucible. The invention also includes minimizing core and cladding diffusion. A tip of the first crucible is disposed axially above a tip of the second crucible by a preselected distance. The invention further includes the ability to alter a diameter of the core of the fiber. A differential pressure is applied to the first crucible. A positive differential pressure is applied to increase the core diameter. A negative differential pressure is applied to decrease the core diameter. Furthermore, the invention includes drawing the fiber under non-isothermal conditions; there is a thermal gradient of at least 10° C./m between the two tips.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and process for making core/clad glass fibers. The apparatus includes a central tube or receptacle connected at the top to a pressure controller and terminating in a reduced section; a side tube or receptacle positioned at about the level of the upper portion of the central tube; an outer tube or receptacle disposed around the bottom portion of the central tube terminating in a smaller section which is concentric with and spaced directly below the section of the central tube; a side arm connecting the side tube and the outer tube; and furnaces around the side, outer, and the reduced sections of the central and the outer tubes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sintering a large-sized optical fiber preform without the occurrence of a large difference of diameters in a longitudinal direction, a non-solidified portion in a solidified portion of a porous soot body and a drop of the optical fiber preform. In response to a relative position of a sintering position of a porous soot body in an optical fiber preform to a sintering zone, in other words, in response to either of a lower end, an intermediate portion or an upper end of the optical fiber preform in the sintering zone, a controller controls at least one of a sintering temperature of an electric heater, a moving speed of the optical fiber preform and a supply gas flow supplying to the sintering zone.

Abstract: In welding optical fiber ribbons by means of an electric arc formed between electrodes the region heated by the electric arc is mapped on CCD-elements in a camera. In the obtained picture the light intensity of those portions of the picture is determined which correspond to the heated fiber portions. This light intensity is used for setting the electric current flowing between the electrodes, so that a desired welding temperature is obtained and so that also a desired, lower temperature is obtained in the fiber ends in a preparatory softening stage, which has a long durability and which is performed before the very welding stage. This determination of temperatures by means of measured light intensities gives reliable values also in the case where ambient conditions like the air pressure are changed, the state of the electrodes is changed owing to contamination, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed are an optical fiber preform manufacturing apparatus and method in which processes for shrinking and closing a deposited tube are conducted using a device suitable for those processes, which device is other than the device used in a deposition process for forming the deposited tube on the inner surface of a preform tube, thereby reducing the processing time while reducing the amount of OH penetrated from the preform tube into a vitreous component of the deposited tube, thereby achieving a reduction in OH loss.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical fiber comprises setting a heating condition for heating a glass rod, which is a parent material of the optical fiber, and an elongating speed of the glass rod based on a prescribed numerical value which changes with a progress of elongation of the glass rod; heating and elongating the glass rod to generate a preform based on the heating condition and the elongating speed which are set by the setting; and drawing the preform to a filament-like form by further heating the preform to generate the optical fiber.

Abstract: Apparatus (700) for sintering a glass base material (2) which is a base material for an optical fiber. The sintering apparatus (700) includes: a control unit which varies a condition for sintering the glass base material; and a furnace (12) which sinters the glass base material by heating the glass base material in an atmosphere of dehydration gas and inert gas. The control unit includes a drive source (3) which supplies the glass base material to the furnace at various speeds. The control unit includes a temperature control unit which controls the temperature of a heating source provided in the furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing optical waveguides that comprises non-optically measuring the average temperature of a moving optical waveguide fiber as it exits a heated draw furnace using a temperature device. The device comprises an enclosed chamber that has a plurality of differential thermopiles secured to the inside surface, and a cooling system that substantially maintains a reference surface temperature of one end of each of the thermopiles. Each of the thermopiles are serially interconnected, whereby, in response to a maximum amount of radiant energy absorbed, the thermopiles generate an output signal. The output signal is substantially proportional to the maximum amount of radiant energy absorbed by the thermopiles, which in turn is substantially proportional to the fourth power of the average temperature of the moving optical waveguide fiber within the chamber.

Abstract: Fused silica created by pyrolysis of SiCl4 are introduced in a powder state into a vacuum chamber. Pluralities of jet streams of fused silica are directed towards a plurality of heated substrates. The particles attach on the substrates and form shaped bodies of fused silica called preforms. For uniformity the substrates are rotated. Dopant is be added in order to alter the index of refraction of the fused silica. Prepared soot preforms are vitrified in situ. The material is processed into quartz tubes for fiber optics and other applications, quartz rods for fused silica wafers for semiconductors and various optical applications and quartz plates for wafer processing and optical windows.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing optical waveguides that comprises non-optically measuring the average temperature of a moving optical waveguide fiber as it exits a heated draw furnace using a temperature device. The device comprises an enclosed chamber that has a plurality of differential thermopiles secured to the inside surface, and a cooling system that substantially maintains a reference surface temperature of one end of each of the thermopiles. Each of the thermopiles are serially interconnected, whereby, in response to a maximum amount of radiant energy absorbed, the thermopiles generate an output signal. The output signal is substantially proportional to the maximum amount of radiant energy absorbed by the thermopiles, which in turn is substantially proportional to the fourth power of the average temperature of the moving optical waveguide fiber within the chamber.

Abstract: An optical waveguide substrate, which has less particles or concave pits caused by Oxidation Induced Stacking Fault on the quartz film when oxidizing the surface of the silicon substrate relatively thickly and forming on its surface a quartz film to become an optical waveguide, is manufactured. The making method of the optical waveguide substrate comprises a step of exposing a silicon substrate to an atmosphere of oxidizing gas while heating to form a quartz film on the surface thereof for an optical waveguide, characterized in that a density of Oxygen contained in said silicon substrate is 24 ppma at maximum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber optic draw furnace having a fiber optic heating and draw control system that controls the heating of a fiber optic preform which is partially melted by a furnace and the drawing of an optical fiber from the fiber optic preform by a fiber drawing device. The fiber optic heating and draw control system features a fiber optic heating and drawing device controller that responds to a furnace power consumption control signal from a fiber optic preform heating device in the furnace, for providing a furnace heating control signal to the fiber optic preform heating device in the furnace and a fiber tension draw control signal to the fiber drawing device to maintain a desired fiber draw tension on the optical fiber. In one embodiment, the fiber optic heating and drawing device controller is a programmable logic controller.