Fiber draw induction furnace.

摘要

An induction furnace 2 for reflowing a portion of an optical preform 10 in order to draw a lightguide fiber 12 therefrom. The furnace 2 has an axially located tubular iridium susceptor 42 which is centrally disposed within a beaker 36 and a sleeve is positioned concentrically around the susceptor 42. The sleeve 48 is surrounded by an insulating grain 46. A high frequency coil 50 is energized to couple its electromagnetic field to the iridium susceptor 42 to heat and reflow a portion of the preform 10 in order to draw the fiber 12 therefrom. The furnace housing 20 is sealed to provide an inert, non-oxidizing atmosphere for the iridium susceptor 42.