Abstract: A multi-fiber optical collimator includes a plurality of optical fibers for carrying optical signals, a first lens and a beam expander. The first lens has first and second sides and a first focal length. The first side of the first lens is positioned a distance of about the first focal length from first ends of the optical fibers. The beam expander has first and second sides and the first side of the beam expander is positioned to face the second side of the first lens. The second side of the beam expander provides collimated beams associated with the optical signals carried by the optical fibers.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring stress exerted on an optical fiber including providing an optical fiber that includes a fiber optic sensor, and exposing the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor to various stresses associated with the process by moving the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor through the process to be measured. The system and method further includes transmitting a source light through the optical fiber as the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor are exposed to various stresses, receiving a return light signal from the fiber optic sensor as the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor are exposed to various stresses, and comparing the source light signal to the return light signal for determining the stress exerted on the optical fiber.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring stress exerted on an optical fiber including providing an optical fiber that includes a fiber optic sensor, and exposing the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor to various stresses associated with the process by moving the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor through the process to be measured. The system and method further includes transmitting a source light through the optical fiber as the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor are exposed to various stresses, receiving a return light signal from the fiber optic sensor as the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor are exposed to various stresses, and comparing the source light signal to the return light signal for determining the stress exerted on the optical fiber.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring stress exerted on an optical fiber including providing an optical fiber that includes a fiber optic sensor, and exposing the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor to various stresses associated with the process by moving the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor through the process to be measured. The system and method further includes transmitting a source light through the optical fiber as the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor are exposed to various stresses, receiving a return light signal from the fiber optic sensor as the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor are exposed to various stresses, and comparing the source light signal to the return light signal for determining the stress exerted on the optical fiber.

Abstract: A class preform (30) for making optical waveguides has surface impurities such as silicon carbide or silicon nitride. The preform is drawn in a furnace (12) that is supplied with oxygen via a conduit (40). The oxygen causes the impurities to oxidize and not effect the strength of the fiber.

Abstract: In connection with drawing a fiber in a drawing portion of a drawing device having a refractory, oxide component, a method and apparatus provide an environment in the drawing portion that causes active oxidation of a refractory contaminant on a blank. The active oxidation of the refractory contaminant causes it to corrode away during drawing.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring stress exerted on an optical fiber including providing an optical fiber that includes a fiber optic sensor, and exposing the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor to various stresses associated with the process by moving the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor through the process to be measured. The system and method further includes transmitting a source light through the optical fiber as the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor are exposed to various stresses, receiving a return light signal from the fiber optic sensor as the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor are exposed to various stresses, and comparing the source light signal to the return light signal for determining the stress exerted on the optical fiber.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring stress exerted on an optical fiber including providing an optical fiber that includes a fiber optic sensor, and exposing the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor to various stresses associated with the process by moving the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor through the process to be measured. The system and method further includes transmitting a source light through the optical fiber as the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor are exposed to various stresses, receiving a return light signal from the fiber optic sensor as the optical fiber and the fiber optic sensor are exposed to various stresses, and comparing the source light signal to the return light signal for determining the stress exerted on the optical fiber.