Page 187 - Chalcogenide Glasses for Infrared Optics

Glass Pr ocesses for Other Applications 163

32
30 C2 Amtir 2
28
Amtir 1 (Te)
26
24
22
Fiber diameter (mils) 18
20

16

14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Bending radius (in)
FIGURE 7.6 Bend-to-break radius for some unclad chalcogenide glass fi bers
as a function of fi ber diameter.

transmission. Figure 7.7 presents another FTIR absorption measure-
ment of AMI C2 fiber, again courtesy of Jim Harrington. The fiber
was again plastic-coated but measured while straight and then while
in a tight coil. The results illustrate how light may be lost through
excess reflections from the core surface.
Two As-Se-Te glasses were prepared and evaluated during the
Codman program and designated C1 and C2. During the develop-
ment of the AMI fiber drawing process, six compositions were pre-
pared and fibers produced by each were evaluated. In the end, one
composition was identified and designated C1 core glass. The goal
7
from the beginning work with Codman was to produce a fiber that
would transmit substantial CW laser energy.
8
Japanese workers reported transmission of over 100 W of CO laser
power through an As S glass fiber. AMI turned attention toward pre-
2 3
paring high-quality As S glass, using our plate process, and drawing
2 3
fiber as we had with the other glasses.
Earlier, Servo had offered to sell AMI its As S glass producing
2 3
system. But their process was an open process and used technical-grade