PURPOSE:To obtain a metal-clad optical fiber free from generation of microbend, eccentricity, etc., by applying a glass layer having a specific thermal expansion coefficient to the circumference of the outermost layer of an optical fiber rod having a core and a clad, drawing the coated rod and applying a metal cladding layer to the outer circumference. CONSTITUTION:A glass layer 2 is applied to the circumference of the outermost layer of an optical fiber rod having a glass core 11 and glass clad 12. The thermal expansion coefficient of the glass layer 2 is selected to fall between those of the glass of the outermost layer of the optical fiber rod and the metal layer to be applied to the glass layer. The produced optical fiber preform is melted with heat and drawn. The objective metal-clad optical fiber can be produced by applying a metal cladding layer 4 to the outer circumference of the glass layer 2. The generation of minute rippling phenomenon of optical fiber can be prevented and a metal-clad optical fiber having excellent transmission characteristics etc., can be produced by this process.
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