Patent ID: 10322963

Abstract:
An optical fiber with low attenuation is provided. The fiber is produced under conditions that reduce fictive temperature. Processing includes maintaining the fiber at temperatures at or near the glass transition temperature (Tg) for an extended period of time. For silica-based fibers, the preferred temperatures are temperatures between 1000° C. and 1700° C. The extended residence times are achieved in a continuous fiber manufacturing process by increasing the path length of the fiber through a processing region maintained at temperatures between 1000° C. and 1700° C. The increased path length is achieved by including one or more fluid bearing devices in the processing region. The extended residence time in the processing region allows the structure of the glass fiber to relax more completely and to more closely approach the equilibrium state. The more relaxed glass structure leads to a lower fictive temperature and provides fibers with lower attenuation.