5 is a process flow diagram for drawing an optical fiber in low gravity environments in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.įIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a logical diagram for an optical fiber drawing apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.įIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a controller for fabrication of the optical fiber in low gravity environment in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.įIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another example apparatus for material processing in low in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.įIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example apparatus for material processing in low in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.įIG. In some embodiments, the optical fiber comprises an insertion loss in a range from 13 dB per 1000 km to 120 dB per 1000 km. In some embodiments, the optical fiber comprises fluoride, such as ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF (ZBLAN).
The method can include providing a preform in a preform drawing apparatus in the low gravity environment engaging the preform with a spool under an initial temperature turning the spool until a desired tension on the preform has been reached increasing the temperature of the preform until a desired spool speed is reached and locking the temperature of the preform.Īspects of the embodiments are directed to an optical fiber drawn in a low gravity environment. In some embodiments, the optical fiber comprises an insertion loss less than or equal to 0.15 dB/km at an operating wavelength in a range from 2-4 microns.Īspects of the embodiments are directed to a method for forming an optical fiber in a low gravity environment. In some embodiments, the system can include an optical communication system. In some embodiments, the laser source is to emit a laser at a wavelength within a range from 1.7 microns to 4 microns through the optical fiber. In some embodiments, the laser source is to emit laser light at a power in a range from 1 kilowatt to 100 kilowatts. In some embodiments, the optical aperture is configured for down-well applications.
In some embodiments, the laser source is to emit a laser at a wavelength within a range from 1.7 microns to 7 microns through the optical fiber. In some embodiments, the laser source is to emit laser light at a power in a range from 1 watt to 100 watts. In some embodiments, the optical aperture resides at one or more locations on an airframe. In some embodiments, the optical fiber comprises an insertion loss less than or equal to 0.02 dB per km at an operating wavelength longer than 1.7 microns. Optical fiber has other uses, such as in laser applications, imaging applications, and lighting applications.\ SUMMARYĪspects of the embodiments are directed to a system for delivering optical energy through an optical fiber formed in a low gravity environment, the system comprising a laser source an optical aperture and the optical fiber formed in the low gravity environment coupling the laser source to the optical aperture. Therefore optical fibers can accommodate higher bandwidth, as mentioned, and/or longer transmission distances.
Optical fibers exhibit low attenuation characteristics and low electromagnetic interference, as compared to metal wires.
Optical fibers are used to transmit light between the two ends of the fiber, and have practical applications in the fields of fiber-optic communications, where they permit transmission over longer distances and at higher bandwidths (data rates) than wire cables. BACKGROUNDĪn optical fiber (or fibre) is a flexible, transparent fiber, often made of glass (silica) or plastic. This disclosure pertains to fiber optic manufacturing in space, and apparatuses and methods for achieving the same. The disclosures of the prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. 15, 2016 and entitled, “Fiber Optic Manufacturing in Space,”. 5, 2018, which application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. 15/968,958 filed on May 2, 2018, and entitled FIBER OPTIC MANUFACTURING IN SPACE, which application is a continuation of U.S. This application is a continuation-in-part, and claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
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