ABSTRACTFluoride glasses are being considered for use in long distance, mid-infrared transmitting optical fibers. The multi-phonon edge of these fibers is shifted to longer wavelengths compared to silica fibers. The intrinsic loss is therefore lower (< 0.01 dB/km) and occurs at about 2.5 microns. Applications for these fibers include ultra-low loss communication links, radiation resistant links, remoting of IR focal plane arrays and IR power delivery. In addition, this ultra low loss optical fiber may be used for fiber guided missiles with capability for distances longer than 500 km. Most of the interest however, has been focused on development of ultra long (thousands of kilometers), repeaterless communication links. Such repeaterless links may decrease system cost and cable weight, while increasing overall reliability and ease of repair compared to silicate optical fibers.
Conventional doped silica/fluoride glass fibers for low loss and minimum dispersion effects