Fabrication of optical waveguides by the outside vapor deposition process

The outside vapor deposition process (OVD) represents one of the principle vapor deposition methods used to make glass fiber optical waveguides [1], [2]. In this brief review, each of the basic process steps (deposition, sintering, drawing) are described and the present performance capabilities are presented. Process improvements leading to hydroxyl removal, increased numerical aperture (NA), and long wavelength operation are discussed. Selected examples of fiber compositions and properties are tabulated which range from high-NA fibers suitable for short-distance applications through very-high-performance fibers for long-distance transmission.