Method for increasing the index of refraction of a glassy material.

摘要

In accordance with the invention, the index of refraction of a glassy material is increased by treating the material with hydrogen and applying heat. Specifically, the glass is exposed to hydrogen or deuterium at pressure in the range 14-11,000 p.s.i. and a temperature in the range 21-150 DEG C for a time sufficient for the hydrogen to diffuse into the glass. The glass is then subjected to heat in excess of about 500 DEG C, as by application of a flame or infrared radiation. The duration of heating can be less than a second. The result is a substantial and long-lived increase in the normalized refractive index. For example, flame heating of H2 loaded commercial GeO2 doped optical fibers (AT&T Accutether single mode fiber) has produced normalized index changes DELTA n/n of 4x10<-><3>. This process can be used to make and adjust a variety of optical waveguide devices.