摘要 |
<p>A method of making a microstructured optical fiber preform uses the plasma fusion of a powder layer deposited onto a substrate under conditions that prevent the deposited layer from completely densifying, thereby yielding the formation of bubbles within the layer. By systematic control of powder melt and delivery, while maintaining the process temperature below a temperature associated with densifying the deposited layer, the powder particles densify only partially on the substrate and create bubbles of a fairly narrow (and thus controllable) diameter range within a defined region of the preform. Upon drawing a fiber from the preform, the bubbles will extend into gas lines, forming a desired microstructure arrangement.</p> |