Optical fiber and production method therefor

摘要

The present invention provides an optical fiber which has a hollow portion extending along the axis and which reduces degradation of the optical characteristics, and a production method thereof. An optical fiber includes a hollow core portion, and a cladding portion which surrounds the hollow core portion. The refractive index of the hollow core portion is lower than that of the cladding portion. The hollow core portion is closed at both ends of the optical fiber so as to form sealed portions. The sealed portions are formed by, for example, heating the optical fiber and softening the cladding portion. This prevents foreign material and the like from entering the hollow core portion. Ferrules of optical connectors are attached to both end faces of the optical fiber. <IMAGE>