Annealing Effects on Optical Losses in 3D-Printed Silica Fiber

Annealing effects on optical losses in silica optical fiber drawn from 3D-printed preform were investigated. An irreversible reduction in loss was observed through multiple annealing cycles at a temperature T = 800 degrees C. Changes in Raman spectroscopy confirm densification of the core as the stresses in glass relax with annealing. The temperature-dependent loss in the 3D printed fiber is consistent with modal field overlap at the core-cladding interface.

Automated summary

The study found that an irreversible reduction in optical losses can be achieved through multiple annealing cycles at 800 degrees Celsius. Changes in Raman spectroscopy confirmed densification of the core, and the temperature-dependent loss in the fiber was consistent with modal field overlap at the core-cladding interface.