INCORPORATING INCLUSIONS IN POLYMER OPTICAL FIBRES

摘要

This invention relates to the manufacture of optical fibres, and more particularly to the manufacture of polymer optical fibres. The invention has particular application in relation to the manufacture of poled polymer optical fibres. One aspect of the present invention provides a method of forming an optical fibre, the method comprising forming one or more holes at predetermined locations in a polymeric preform, locating an elongated inclusion in said one or more holes, and subsequently drawing the preform to form a length of optical fibre including said inclusion. In one embodiment of the invention used in the manufacture of poled polymer optical fibres, the preform is a unitary polymer body and holes are formed in the polymer preform by means of drilling. Elongated inclusions in the form of metallic wire are located in the holes and the polymer body and wire are subsequently drawn to form a polymer optical fibre incorporating the wire inclusions.