Patent ID: 8074474
Filing Date: 2011-12-13
Classification: C03B,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method for producing an optical fiber, said method comprising: drawing the fiber from a heated glass source, and treating the optical fiber by maintaining the optical fiber in a treatment zone, wherein the length of the treatment zone is at least about 5 meters, while subjecting the optical fiber to an average cooling rate in the treatment zone defined as a fiber entry surface temperature minus a fiber exit surface temperature divided by the total residence time of the optical fiber in the treatment zone of less than 5,000° C./s, wherein the surface temperature of the optical fiber exiting the treatment zone is at least about 1,000° C. and wherein the steps of drawing the fiber from a heated glass source and treating the fiber in a treatment zone occur along a first pathway and the method further comprises: contacting the bare optical fiber with a region of fluid in a fluid bearing, said fluid bearing comprising a channel, said channel defined by at least two sidewalls, the fiber being retained between said two sidewalls during said drawing step, said two sidewalls defining an inlet below said fiber, said fiber positioned more than a fiber diameter from said inlet, causing said fiber to be levitated within the channel substantially as a result of a pressure differential which is present below the fiber within the channel, said pressure differential caused by a higher pressure caused by said fluid being supplied below the fiber within the channel compared to the pressure which is present above the fiber, and redirecting the fiber along a second pathway as said bare optical fiber is drawn across said region of fluid cushion.