Patent ID: 6089044
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: C03B

Abstract:
Process for making a multicore preform designed to make a multicore optical fiber by drawing this preform, this process being characterized in that it comprises the following steps:a plurality of elementary preforms (2, 35) are made,a first machining of these elementary preforms is carried out such that when they are assembled, a geometric model chosen for the multicore optical fiber is obtained,a second machining of the elementary preforms is carried out so that the assembly (11) of these elementary preforms has at least one longitudinal hole,the elementary preforms thus machined are assembled in accordance with the chosen geometric model, and,an induction furnace (18) raising the assembly to a melting temperature of said assembly and with respect to which this assembly is subject to relative translation and rotation movements for heating said assembly and welding the elementary preforms to each other, while applying a vacuum to each hole, each hole disappearing by collapsing during said welding.