| 摘要 |
<p>In a double-clad optical fiber comprising a core (34) having an index of refraction n1, an inner cladding (36) surrounding the core (34) and having an index of refraction n2, and a first outer cladding (38) surrounding the inner cladding (36) and having an index of refraction n3 (wherein n1 > n2 > n3), the softness of the first outer cladding (38) often renders it difficult to perform polishing or other mechanical operations on the end of the fiber. To reduce such difficulties it is advantageous to remove the first outer cladding (38) from a limited end portion of the fiber, replacing it with a second outer cladding (44) having an index of refraction n4 (wherein n2 > n4) and a hardness which is greater than that of the first outer cladding (38).</p> |
