Patent ID: 6519974
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: C03B,Y02P

Abstract:
A process for fabricating an optical fiber, comprising steps of:assembling an adjoiner, a primary optical fiber preform having a first primary axis and an outer surface and an overcladding tube having a second primary axis and an inner surface defining an interior space, together as a secondary preform assembly; holding said primary optical fiber preform in a centrally inserted position within said interior space with said first and second primary axes in substantial alignment with each other; supplying a flow of gas through an inlet; generating a condition of reduced pressure within a predetermined region of said adjoiner as compared to an external pressure of said adjoiner, in response to said flow of gas, wherein said predetermined region includes a gap formed between said inner surface of said overcladding tube and said outer surface of said primary optical fiber preform; heating, by a furnace, a portion of said primary optical fiber preform and a portion of said overcladding tube to a softened state wherein an optical fiber can be drawn therefrom; and positioning said secondary preform assembly in a specified position with respect to said furnace.