Method and apparatus for manufacturing plastic optical transmission medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing plastic optical transmission medium. The subject method and apparatus can produce a variety of optical transmission medium, including for example, graded refractive index polymer optical fiber, graded refractive index rod lens, and step index polymer optical fiber. The subject optical transmission medium have improved characteristics and efficiency, due, at least in part, to better control of the profile of the refractive index distribution and stable high temperature operation of the medium. High efficiency of manufacturing can be achieved by the subject method and apparatus which can permit continuous extrusion at high speed.

1 . A plastic optical transmission medium, comprising; 
 a polymeric material comprising an additive which modifies the refractive index of the polymeric material, wherein the additive is selected from the class of methyl esters of perfluoro (poloxa) monocarboxylic acids.    
     
     
         2 . The plastic optical transmission medium according to claim  31 , wherein said additive is perfluoro 2,5,8-trimethyl-3,6,9-trioxadodecanoic acid, methyl ester (PTTME).  
     
     
         3 . A plastic optical transmission medium, comprising: 
 a polymeric material comprising an additive which modifies the refractive index of the polymeric material, wherein the additive is selected from the class of methyl esters of perfluoro aliphatic monocarboxylic acids.    
     
     
         4 . The plastic optical transmission medium according to claim  33 , wherein said additive is methyl perfluorooctanate.  
     
     
         5 . A method of modifying the refractive index of a plastic optical transmission medium, comprising: 
 preparing a polymeric material; and    adding an additive which modifies the refractive index of the polymeric material, wherein the additive is selected from the class of methyl esters of perfluoro (poloxa) monocarboxylic acids.    
     
     
         6 . The method according to claim  35 , wherein said additive is perfluoro 2,5,8-trimethyl-3,6,9-trioxadodecanoic acid, methyl ester (PTTME).  
     
     
         7 . A method of modifying the refractive index of a plastic optical transmission medium, comprising: 
 preparing a polymeric material; and adding an additive which modifies the refractive index of the polymeric material, wherein the additive is selected from the class of methyl esters of perfluoro aliphatic monocarboxic acids.    
     
     
         8 . The method according to claim  37 , wherein said additive is methyl perfluoroctanate.