Deutschetelekom Ag

Juergen Kaufhold

Werner Frank

Olaf Ziemann

In a method for producing graded-index profiles in polymeric optical fibers, ionizing radiation is used to cause an increase in the refractive index, for example in PMMA. Polymeric optical fibers, preforms or fiber-core preforms are irradiated with ionizing radiation of predetermined wavelength and dose while being moved past the radiation source in the longitudinal direction at a given speed and are subsequently tempered for a defined length of time. Through the control of the spatial distribution of the ionizing radiation with the aid of mirrors, lenses or aperture systems, a uniform, radial graded-index profile is produced over the entire fiber length, so that the polymeric fiber, used as an optical waveguide, has improved transmission characteristics for optical signals.

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Dieburg, Germany

Juergen Kaufhold