Caustic ray use of the drawdown zone of an optical fiber preform to control the drawing of the fiber

摘要

A technique for monitoring the drawdown zone of an optical fiber preform is disclosed. The technique involves detecting the caustic rays emanating from the drawdown zone. Analysis of these rays allows one to determine the geometric properties of both the drawdown zone and the resultant optical fiber. In addition, detailed information concerning the index of refraction distribution in the fiber may be obtained. The process is amenable to realtime applications during the drawing of an optical fiber.