Novel method for fabrication of metal- or oxide-nanoparticle doped silica-based specialty optical fibers

Borut Lenardič; Miha Kveder; Darja Lisjak; Herve Guillon; Samuel Bonnafous

doi:10.1117/12.871873

Translator Disclaimer

23 February 2011 Novel method for fabrication of metal- or oxide-nanoparticle doped silica-based specialty optical fibers

Borut Lenardič, Miha Kveder, Darja Lisjak, Herve Guillon, Samuel Bonnafous

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7934, Optical Components and Materials VIII; 79340Y (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.871873
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2011, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Nanoparticle-doped optical fibers are causing significant scientific interest in different application fields. Nanoparticle-doping of silica glass layers during optical fiber preform fabrication was so far reported by sol-gel and solution doping processes, by flame hydrolysis spraying and by pulling hollow cylinders from nanoparticle suspensions. A new method for fabrication of high quality nanoparticle-doped fibers is suggested. Proposed method is based on "flash vaporization" deposition process, previously reported as method to fabricate rare earth- and metal ion-doped specialty optical fibers. Experiments were made where SiO2 layers were deposited using "flash vaporization"-equipped MCVD system, adding vapors carrying metal or oxide nanoparticles into deposition zone. Analysis of produced preforms confirms presence of nanoparticles in deposited layers, albeit with low deposition rate due to weak thermophoretic forces acting on very small particles or agglomerations. Based on results, a number of improvements were suggested and implemented in fabrication process, device design and choice of precursor materials. "Flash vaporization" method was demonstrated as suitable method for deposition of nanoparticles in silica layers, permitting in-situ fabrication of complete preforms, providing easy upgrade path for existing MCVD and OVD deposition systems and allowing simultaneous co-doping by a wide range of other co-dopants.

Citation Download Citation

Borut Lenardič, Miha Kveder, Darja Lisjak, Herve Guillon, and Samuel Bonnafous "Novel method for fabrication of metal- or oxide-nanoparticle doped silica-based specialty optical fibers", Proc. SPIE 7934, Optical Components and Materials VIII, 79340Y (23 February 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.871873

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE