Method for controlling fiber growth in a laser heated pedestal growth system by controlling a laser power output, a pedestal feedstock rate of motion, and a draw rate

摘要

One or more embodiments relate to a method for controlling fiber growth and fiber diameter in a laser heated pedestal growth (LHPG) system so as to provide long, continuous single-crystal optical fibers of uniform diameter. The method generally provides three independent parameter feedback controls to control the molten zone height, laser power, and fiber drawing rates simultaneously in order to reduce the mismatch between instantaneous diameter changes and current diameter. The method permits the growth of fibers with non-uniform diameters along the fiber's length. The method also provides the capability to stop the LHPG system, remove the exhausted pedestal feedstock with a second pedestal feedstock, and restart the LHPG system to provide a continuous fiber.