Formation of extrinsic ZrO light scatterers in ZrF4-based fluroide optical fibres is investigated with respect to resultant oxides in raw materials. Thermodynamic consideration of reaction equilibrium between ZrF4 and oxides possibly included in raw materials, indicates that all oxides concerned can convert ZrF4 to ZrO2. Using low oxide content materials for glass preparation, scatters significantly decrease. In addition, dissolved oxides produced by OH evacuation enhance oxide segregation to form or to grow ZrO2 scatterers during melting process.
Origin
Ntt Electrical Comm Labs, Japan
Journal Title
J Non-Cryst Solids 95-96 1987 617-624
Sector
Glass Fibre
Class
GF 655