| 摘要 |
There is disclosed a metallic clad glass fiber optical waveguide suitable for use as a high-strength optical transmission line, e.g., for high capacity communications systems and for sensors operating at high temperature. A metallic coating or jacket is formed on the glass waveguide structure, which comprises a core and glass cladding, by coating the glass fiber as it emerges from the furnace with a metal or alloy. The metal or alloy employed is one that (a) is substantially chemically inert with respect to the material comprising the glass fiber at the melting point of the metal or alloy during coating of the metal or alloy onto the glass fiber, (b) has a recrystallization temperature greater than room temperature or the contemplated working temperature, whichever is greater, and (c) forms a hermetic seal around the outer surface of the glass cladding. The metallic coating prevents chemical or mechanical damage to the glass surface to thereby substantially maintain or preserve the nascent strength of the glass fiber. A plastic coating is optionally provided for additional protection of the metal surface. |
