Apparatus for manufacturing an optical fiber preform and including a ring for trapping and diffusing light radiation

Abstract

The invention relates to apparatus for manufacturing an optical fiber preform from a tube of vitreous material, the apparatus comprising: means for holding said tube during manufacture of said preform; and heater means supplying said tube with the heat energy required for manufacturing said preform. According to the invention, diffuser means are disposed around at least one of the ends of said tube to trap and diffuse light radiation generated in said tube by said heater means. The invention also applies to apparatus for drawing an optical fiber from a preform.

1 . Apparatus for processing an elongate workpiece of optical vitreous material, the apparatus comprising: 
 means for holding said workpiece during said processing; and    heater means supplying said workpiece with heat energy required for said processing,    wherein diffuser means are placed around at least one end of said workpiece to trap and diffuse light radiation generated in said workpiece by said heater means.    
     
     
         2 . Apparatus according to    claim 1   , wherein said diffuser means has a refractive index close to that of said workpiece.  
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according to    claim 2   , wherein said diffuser means are made of a vitreous material.  
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to    claim 1   , wherein a liquid film is inserted between said diffuser means and said workpiece.  
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to    claim 4   , wherein said liquid film has a refractive index close to that of said diffuser means and of said workpiece.  
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to    claim 4   , wherein said liquid film is inserted in contact with a polished surface of said diffuser means.  
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to    claim 1   , wherein said diffuser means possesses frosted surfaces.  
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to    claim 1   , wherein said diffuser means are held fixed relative to said workpiece by gaskets.  
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to    claim 8   , wherein said gaskets are lip gaskets.  
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to    claim 1   , wherein a blower blows air over said diffuser means.  
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according to    claim 1   , wherein said workpiece is a tube for manufacturing an optical fiber preform.  
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to    claim 1   , wherein said workpiece is an optical fiber preform.