METHOD OF FORMING AN OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE PREFORM

摘要

A method of forming a preform suitable for optical waveguides is disclosed. The method comprises providing a hollow tubular member defining a substantially longitudinal aperture and having one end thereof tapered and of diminishing wall thickness for the length of said taper. Adjacent the tapered end is formed an outwardly extending protrusion. A starting mandrel is inserted into the aperture so as to extend therebeyond. Particulate material is deposit? over at least a portion of each of the extending part of the hollow tubular member and the starting mandrel whereby the extending protrusion is embedded in one end of the resulting optical waveguide preform. An integral unit including the tubular member and the preform is thus formed. Means are provided for a substantially gas-tight connection to the handle so that a gaseous medium may be flowed through the handle and the optical waveguide preform in its porous soot form. Means are also provided for attaching and securing the composite structure to a source of gaseous medium.