Optical fibers are the backbone of modern communication, enabling high-speed data transfer over long distances. But how are these ultra-pure glass strands manufactured? Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process.
How Optical Fibers Are Made from Silica Glass-Hunan Jiahome
1. Raw Material Preparation
Purifying Silica Sand
The primary material for optical fibers is silica (SiO₂), derived from high-purity quartz sand. Impurities like iron and copper are removed to ensure minimal signal loss.
Creating Glass Preforms
The purified silica is melted and chemically modified (e.g., doped with germanium or fluorine) to control refractive index properties.
2. Fiber Drawing Process
Preform Heating
The glass preform is heated to 2,000°C in a specialized furnace until it softens.
Fiber Pulling & Coating
The molten glass is drawn into thin fibers (typically 125µm diameter) and immediately coated with a protective acrylate layer to prevent damage.
3. Quality Testing
Tensile Strength & Optical Testing
Each fiber undergoes rigorous testing for:
- Attenuation (signal loss per km)
- Bandwidth capacity
- Mechanical durability
Final Spooling & Packaging
Fibers are wound onto spools for shipment to cable manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why is silica glass used for optical fibers?
A: Silica offers ultra-low signal loss, high flexibility, and resistance to electromagnetic interference.
Q2: How thin can an optical fiber be?
A: Standard telecom fibers are 125µm in diameter (similar to a human hair), with the glass core as small as 9µm (single-mode fiber).
Q3: What’s the difference between single-mode and multi-mode fibers?
A: Single-mode fibers carry a single light path (long-distance), while multi-mode allows multiple paths (shorter, high-bandwidth applications).
Q4: Can optical fibers break easily?
A: Despite their thinness, silica fibers are strong—but bending them too sharply can cause micro-cracks, leading to signal loss.
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Post time: May-30-2025