METHOD FOR MAKING SOOT PREFORMS AND GLASS OPTICAL FIBERS

摘要

A method of forming an optical fiber includes the steps of forming a soot blank of a silica-based cladding material, wherein the soot blank has a top surface and a bulk density of between 0.8 g/cm2 and 1.6 g/cm3. At least one hole is drilled in the top surface of the soot blank. At least one core cane member is positioned in the at least one hole. The soot blank and at least one soot core cane member are consolidated to form a consolidated preform. The consolidated preform is drawn into an optical fiber.