METHOD FOR EXPANDING THE MODE-FIELD DIAMETER OF AN OPTICAL FIBER AND FOR FORMING LOW OPTICAL LOSS SPLICES

摘要

The invention is directed to methods for adiabatically expanding the mode-field diameter of an optical fiber (20) by heating the end (30) of the optical fiber. The fiber’s end is heated by a heat source, preferably, a flame (50) fueled by an organic liquid. Preferably, the organic-liquid fuel is an alcohol, more preferably, an alcohol having six or fewer carbon atoms and only one hydroxyl group, and optimally methanol.