Patent ID: 6527985
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: B29D,G02B

Abstract:
A method for making a polymeric optical fiber having a graded-index profile, the method comprising:exposing at least one of the polymeric optical fiber, a preform of the polymeric optical fiber, and a fiber-core preform of the polymeric optical fiber to ionizing radiation of predetermined dose and wavelength while moving the respective at least one of the polymeric optical fiber, the preform of the polymeric optical fiber, and the fiber-core preform of the polymeric optical fiber along a center line of the respective at least one of the polymeric optical fiber, the preform of the polymeric optical fiber, and the fiber-core preform of the polymeric optical fiber at a given speed; defining a spatial distribution of an intensity of the ionizing radiation in the respective at least one of the polymeric optical fiber, the preform of the polymeric optical fiber, and the fiber-core preform of the polymeric optical fiber over an entire irradiated length of the respective at least one of the polymeric optical fiber, the preform of the polymeric optical fiber, and the fiber-core preform of the polymeric optical fiber using a system of optical elements so that the ionizing radiation is rotationally symmetrical; and then tempering the respective at least one of the polymeric optical fiber, the preform of the polymeric optical fiber, and the fiber-core preform of the polymeric optical fiber for a predetermined time at a predetermined temperature so as to optimize a respective refractive index of respective irradiated regions of the at least one of the polymeric optical fiber, the preform of the polymeric optical fiber, and the fiber-core preform of the polymeric optical fiber so that a uniform radial graded-index profile is formed.