Abstract: Aspects of the embodiments include an optical fiber formed in a low gravity environment. The optical fiber can be used in airframe applications for missile defense, oil-field applications for down-well laser applications, optical communications, and other applications. The optical fiber can include a fluoride composition, such ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF (ZBLAN), and can be characterized by an insertion loss in a range from 13 dB/1000 km to 120 dB/1000 km. The optical fiber can deliver optical energy with low insertion loss at the desired power and wavelength for the various applications.

Abstract: Aspects of the embodiments include an optical device comprising a housing; and an afocal lens assembly comprising a zoom lens in the housing, the zoom lens supported in the housing to move along a long axis of the housing. The afocal lens assembly can also include an objective lens configured to move synchronously with the zoom lens based on rotation of a zoom+focus adjustment knob coupled to a lens driving mechanism.

Abstract: Aspects of the embodiments include an optical fiber formed in a low gravity environment. The optical fiber can be used in airframe applications for missile defense, oil-field applications for down-well laser applications, optical communications, and other applications. The optical fiber can include a fluoride composition, such ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF (ZBLAN), and can be characterized by an insertion loss in a range from 13 dB/1000 km to 120 dB/1000 km. The optical fiber can deliver optical energy with low insertion loss at the desired power and wavelength for the various applications.

Abstract: Aspects of the embodiments are directed to systems and methods for forming an optical fiber in a low gravity environment, and an optical fiber formed in a low gravity environment. The system can include a preform holder configured to secure a preform; a heating element secured to a heating element stage and residing adjacent the preform holder; a heating element stage motor configured to move the heating element stage; a tension sensor; a spool; a spool tension motor coupled to the spool and configured to rotate the spool; and a control system communicably coupled to the heating element stage motor and the spool tension motor and configured to control the movement of the heating element stage based on a rotational speed of the spool. The optical fiber can include a fluoride composition, such ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF (ZBLAN), and can be characterized by an insertion loss in a range from 13 dB/1000 km to 120 dB/1000 km.

Abstract: Aspects of the embodiments are directed to systems and methods for forming an optical fiber in a low gravity environment, and an optical fiber formed in a low gravity environment. The system can include a preform holder configured to secure a preform; a heating element secured to a heating element stage and residing adjacent the preform holder; a heating element stage motor configured to move the heating element stage; a tension sensor; a spool; a spool tension motor coupled to the spool and configured to rotate the spool; and a control system communicably coupled to the heating element stage motor and the spool tension motor and configured to control the movement of the heating element stage based on a rotational speed of the spool. The optical fiber can include a fluoride composition, such ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF (ZBLAN), and can be characterized by an insertion loss in a range from 13 dB/1000 km to 120 dB/1000 km.