JPH075331A - Method for manufacturing plastic optical fiber preform - Google Patents
Method for manufacturing plastic optical fiber preformInfo
- Publication number
- JPH075331A JPH075331A JP5147277A JP14727793A JPH075331A JP H075331 A JPH075331 A JP H075331A JP 5147277 A JP5147277 A JP 5147277A JP 14727793 A JP14727793 A JP 14727793A JP H075331 A JPH075331 A JP H075331A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- refractive index
- polymer
- optical fiber
- coating
- fiber preform
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 20
- 239000013308 plastic optical fiber Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 18
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 14
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 69
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 45
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 40
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 34
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000013329 compounding Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920003229 poly(methyl methacrylate) Polymers 0.000 abstract description 13
- 239000004926 polymethyl methacrylate Substances 0.000 abstract description 13
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 abstract description 8
- YNXYKYJSCDACFS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,2,2-triphenylethyl acetate Chemical compound C=1C=CC=CC=1C(C=1C=CC=CC=1)(COC(=O)C)C1=CC=CC=C1 YNXYKYJSCDACFS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 11
- 239000002994 raw material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- IRIAEXORFWYRCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Butylbenzyl phthalate Chemical compound CCCCOC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)OCC1=CC=CC=C1 IRIAEXORFWYRCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 150000001252 acrylic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- AOGQPLXWSUTHQB-UHFFFAOYSA-N hexyl acetate Chemical compound CCCCCCOC(C)=O AOGQPLXWSUTHQB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 4
- AOJOEFVRHOZDFN-UHFFFAOYSA-N benzyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate Chemical compound CC(=C)C(=O)OCC1=CC=CC=C1 AOJOEFVRHOZDFN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000178 monomer Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004641 Diallyl-phthalate Substances 0.000 description 2
- NIQCNGHVCWTJSM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dimethyl phthalate Chemical compound COC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)OC NIQCNGHVCWTJSM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- VVQNEPGJFQJSBK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyl methacrylate Chemical compound COC(=O)C(C)=C VVQNEPGJFQJSBK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- PPBRXRYQALVLMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Styrene Chemical compound C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 PPBRXRYQALVLMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- QUDWYFHPNIMBFC-UHFFFAOYSA-N bis(prop-2-enyl) benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate Chemical compound C=CCOC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)OCC=C QUDWYFHPNIMBFC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- KOZCZZVUFDCZGG-UHFFFAOYSA-N vinyl benzoate Chemical compound C=COC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 KOZCZZVUFDCZGG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- SMZOUWXMTYCWNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(2-methoxy-5-methylphenyl)ethanamine Chemical compound COC1=CC=C(C)C=C1CCN SMZOUWXMTYCWNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RJFYLVAMNLWRKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(3,5,5-trimethylhexoxycarbonyl)benzoic acid Chemical compound CC(C)(C)CC(C)CCOC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C(O)=O RJFYLVAMNLWRKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-Propenoic acid Natural products OC(=O)C=C NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- SBYMUDUGTIKLCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-chloroethenylbenzene Chemical compound ClC=CC1=CC=CC=C1 SBYMUDUGTIKLCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M Acetate Chemical compound CC([O-])=O QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- CERQOIWHTDAKMF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methacrylic acid Chemical compound CC(=C)C(O)=O CERQOIWHTDAKMF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000000217 alkyl group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 238000000149 argon plasma sintering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- FBDBBRIVIAEKGN-UHFFFAOYSA-N bis(2-methylhexyl) benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate Chemical compound CCCCC(C)COC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)OCC(C)CCCC FBDBBRIVIAEKGN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920006026 co-polymeric resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- FBSAITBEAPNWJG-UHFFFAOYSA-N dimethyl phthalate Natural products CC(=O)OC1=CC=CC=C1OC(C)=O FBSAITBEAPNWJG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229960001826 dimethylphthalate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- LTYMSROWYAPPGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N diphenyl sulfide Chemical compound C=1C=CC=CC=1SC1=CC=CC=C1 LTYMSROWYAPPGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001519 homopolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010030 laminating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002521 macromolecule Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011259 mixed solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012299 nitrogen atmosphere Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005022 packaging material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005668 polycarbonate resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004431 polycarbonate resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000379 polymerizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009257 reactivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Optical Fibers, Optical Fiber Cores, And Optical Fiber Bundles (AREA)
Abstract
(57)【要約】
【目的】 本発明はＧＩ型のプラスチック光ファイバ母
材の製造方法を提供する。
【構成】 重合体Ａを主成分としてなる出発ロッド１１
の周囲に、該重合体Ａ（ＰＭＭＡ）の屈折率（Ｎａ）よ
り低い屈折率（Ｎｂ）を有する材料Ｂ（酢酸トリフェニ
ルエチル）が配合してなる塗布液を用い、この塗布に際
し、原料Ａが貯溜されてなる供給タンク１３内に屈折率
調整タンク１４から材料Ｂを徐々に供給し、材料Ｂの配
合割合を各塗布毎に上げて塗布液屈折率を降下させ、母
材の中心から外周方向に向って屈折率が漸次降下し、Ｇ
Ｉ型屈折率分布を有するプラスチック光ファイバ母材を
得る。
(57) [Abstract] [Object] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a GI type plastic optical fiber preform. [Structure] Starting rod 11 containing polymer A as a main component
A coating liquid prepared by blending a material B (triphenylethyl acetate) having a refractive index (Nb) lower than the refractive index (Na) of the polymer A (PMMA) is used around the polymer A. The material B is gradually supplied from the refractive index adjusting tank 14 into the supply tank 13 in which the material B is stored, and the mixing ratio of the material B is increased for each coating to decrease the refractive index of the coating liquid. The refractive index gradually decreases in the direction
A plastic optical fiber preform having an I-type refractive index distribution is obtained.
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、プラスチック光ファイ
バ母材の製造方法に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a plastic optical fiber preform.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術及び発明が解決しようとする課題】コアも
クラッドも共にプラスチックの光ファイバは、光信号の
送受を行う例えば電子装置間において、その伝送損失が
問題とされない近距離の光伝送路として、ガラスファイ
バと比べて使いやすく低価格なために、多用されてお
り、特にＬＡＮ，ＩＳＤＮ等の次世代通信網構想におい
て重要となっている。2. Description of the Related Art An optical fiber having both a core and a clad made of plastic is used as a short-distance optical transmission line in which transmission loss is not a problem between electronic devices for transmitting and receiving optical signals. Since it is easier to use and cheaper than glass fiber, it is widely used and is particularly important in the concept of next-generation communication networks such as LAN and ISDN.
【０００３】従来においては、図５に示すようにこのプ
ラスチック光ファイバ０１は、コア０２にＰＭＭＡ（ポ
リメチルメタクリレート樹脂），ＰＣ（ポリカーボネー
ト樹脂）又はこれらの共重合樹脂等を用い、クラッド０
３にフッ素樹脂を用いてなる図５（Ｂ）に示すような屈
折率分布を有する、ステップインデックス（ＳＩ）型光
ファイバが実用化されている。Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 5, this plastic optical fiber 01 uses PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate resin), PC (polycarbonate resin) or a copolymer resin of these for the core 02, and has a clad 0.
A step index (SI) type optical fiber having a refractive index distribution as shown in FIG.
【０００４】また、このＳＩ型光ファイバに対して時間
当りの情報量を多量に送れる、図５（Ｃ）に示すような
屈折率分布を有する、グレートインデックス（ＧＩ）型
光ファイバは、例えば特公昭５２−５８５７号，特公昭
５４−３０３０１号，特開昭６１−１３０９０４号，特
開昭６１−１６２００８号等の各公報等に開示されてい
るが、製造上等の観点から種々の問題があり、未だ所望
のものが得られていない。Further, a great index (GI) type optical fiber having a refractive index distribution as shown in FIG. 5 (C) capable of transmitting a large amount of information per time to this SI type optical fiber is, for example, a special one. It is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 52-5857, Japanese Patent Publication No. 54-30301, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-130904, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-162008 and the like, but various problems are caused from the viewpoint of manufacturing. Yes, the desired product has not been obtained yet.
【０００５】すなわち、従来においては、反応性の差
や、ゲル効果等を利用して屈折率分布を形成するため、
所望の屈折率を得るためには、母材の大きさや、材料の
種類等が大きく制限されていた。従って、量産化が困難
であったり、伝送特性，信頼性に優れた材料を得ること
ができないという問題が生じた。また、従来においては
反応を自由に制御することが困難なため、理想的なＧＩ
型の屈折率分布を有するファイバを歩留り良く得ること
ができなかった。That is, in the prior art, since the refractive index distribution is formed by utilizing the difference in reactivity and the gel effect,
In order to obtain a desired refractive index, the size of the base material, the type of material, etc. are greatly limited. Therefore, there arises a problem that mass production is difficult and a material having excellent transmission characteristics and reliability cannot be obtained. In addition, in the past, it was difficult to control the reaction freely, so an ideal GI
It was not possible to obtain a fiber having a refractive index profile of the mold with good yield.
【０００６】さらに、特開平２−１６５０４号公報に
は、屈折率の異なる２種以上の重合性混合物の積層状物
を同心円状に押し出す手法が開示されているが、以下の
ような問題がある。すなわち、積層押し出し法であるた
め、１０層程度の押し出しステップしか形成できず、こ
の結果得られる屈折率分布は階段状のものとなり、多く
の情報量を送ることができない。また、押し出し後に単
量体を拡散させ、連続したなめらかな屈折率分布とする
ことも提案されるが、この場合には、工程が増え生産性
が悪化し、さらに拡散という制御の困難な操作を行うた
め、理想的なＧＩ型屈折率分布を得ることができないと
いう問題がある。Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-16504 discloses a method of concentrically extruding a laminate of two or more polymerizable mixtures having different refractive indexes, but has the following problems. . That is, since it is a laminated extrusion method, only about 10 layers of extrusion steps can be formed, and the resulting refractive index distribution has a stepwise shape, and a large amount of information cannot be sent. It is also proposed that the monomer be diffused after extrusion to have a continuous and smooth refractive index distribution, but in this case, the number of processes increases, productivity deteriorates, and further, a difficult control operation such as diffusion. Therefore, there is a problem that an ideal GI type refractive index distribution cannot be obtained.
【０００７】一方、本出願人も円筒内に屈折率差の異な
る二種の材料を注入して遠心力作用下で重合積層させる
ことを繰返して屈折率が連続的に変化するプラスチック
光ファイバ用プリフォームの製造方法について先に提案
したが（特開昭６０−１１９５０９号公報参照）、所望
の設計値通りに屈折率を管理するために手間がかかり、
廉価に製造できないという問題がある。On the other hand, the applicant of the present invention also has a plastic optical fiber plug whose refractive index continuously changes by repeatedly injecting two kinds of materials having different refractive index differences into a cylinder and polymerizing and laminating the materials under centrifugal force. Although a method for manufacturing a reform has been previously proposed (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-119509), it takes time to manage the refractive index according to a desired design value,
There is a problem that it cannot be manufactured at a low price.
【０００８】本発明は上記問題に鑑み、所望の屈折率変
化を有し、且つ製造が簡易で廉価となるプラスチック光
ファイバの製造方法を提供することを目的とする。In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing a plastic optical fiber which has a desired refractive index change and is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
【０００９】[0009]
【課題を解決するための手段】前記目的を達成する本発
明に係るプラスチック光ファイバの製造方法は、重合体
を主成分としてなる出発ロッドの周囲に、該重合体の屈
折率と異なる屈折率を有する材料が当該重合体に配合し
てなる塗布液を用いて塗布し乾燥することを複数回に亙
って行うに際し、塗布を重ねるごとに、該塗布液中に配
合される材料の配合割合を変化させて、屈折率を順次降
下させ、光ファイバ母材の中心から外径方向に向ってそ
の屈折率を漸次降下してなる屈折率分布を形成すること
を特徴とする。The method for producing a plastic optical fiber according to the present invention, which achieves the above object, is such that a refractive index different from the refractive index of the polymer is provided around a starting rod containing the polymer as a main component. When carrying out coating and drying using a coating liquid in which the material having the same is blended in the polymer over a plurality of times, each time the coating is repeated, the blending ratio of the material blended in the coating liquid is changed. It is characterized in that the refractive index is gradually decreased by changing the refractive index, and the refractive index distribution is formed by gradually decreasing the refractive index from the center of the optical fiber preform toward the outer diameter direction.
【００１０】また、上記製造方法において、出発ロッド
が重合体Ａ（屈折率：Ｎａ）を主成分としてなり、材料
が該重合体Ａの屈折率（Ｎａ）より低い屈折率（Ｎｂ）
を有する材料Ｂを用いてもよい。Further, in the above manufacturing method, the starting rod contains the polymer A (refractive index: Na) as a main component, and the material is a refractive index (Nb) lower than the refractive index (Na) of the polymer A.
You may use the material B which has.
【００１１】さらに、上記製造方法において、出発ロッ
ドが重合体Ａ（屈折率：Ｎａ）と該重合体Ａより高い屈
折率（Ｎｃ）を有する材料Ｃとを主成分としてなり、塗
布液中の材料Ｃの配合割合を塗布ごとに減少させるよう
にしてもよい。Further, in the above manufacturing method, the starting rod is mainly composed of the polymer A (refractive index: Na) and the material C having a higher refractive index (Nc) than the polymer A, and the material in the coating liquid is You may make it reduce the compounding ratio of C with every application.
【００１２】以下、本発明の内容を説明する。The contents of the present invention will be described below.
【００１３】図１は本発明の方法に用いられる塗布装置
の概略図であり、同図中、符号１１は出発ロッド、１２
は塗布手段、１３は供給タンク、１４は屈折率調整タン
ク、１５は乾燥器を各々図示する。FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a coating apparatus used in the method of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 is a starting rod and 12 is a starting rod.
Is a coating means, 13 is a supply tank, 14 is a refractive index adjusting tank, and 15 is a dryer.
【００１４】本発明で出発ロッド１１の主成分である重
合体（以下「重合体Ａ」という）とは、メチルメタクリ
レートの単独重合体（ポリメチルメタクリレート：ＰＭ
ＭＡ）、ポリカーボネート（ＰＣ）、及び例えば単官能
の（メタ）アクリレート類，弗素化アルキル（メタ）ア
クリレート類，多官能（メタ）アクリレート類，多官能
（メタ）アクリレート類，アクリル酸，メタクリル酸，
スチレン，クロルスチレン等の単量体とメチルメタクリ
レートとの透明な共重合体をいう。In the present invention, the polymer as the main component of the starting rod 11 (hereinafter referred to as "polymer A") means a homopolymer of methyl methacrylate (polymethyl methacrylate: PM).
MA), polycarbonate (PC), and monofunctional (meth) acrylates, fluorinated alkyl (meth) acrylates, polyfunctional (meth) acrylates, polyfunctional (meth) acrylates, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid,
A transparent copolymer of styrene, chlorostyrene, and other monomers and methyl methacrylate.
【００１５】尚、上述したものの内で、出発ロッド１１
の主成分である代表的な重合体Ａとしては、ポリメチル
メタクリレート（ｎ＝1.４９２），ポリカーボネート
（ｎ＝1.５９）を用いるのが好適である。It should be noted that among the above-mentioned ones, the starting rod 11
Polymethylmethacrylate (n = 1.492) and polycarbonate (n = 1.59) are preferably used as the representative polymer A which is the main component of the above.
【００１６】また、上記重合体Ａの屈折率（Ｎａ）と異
なる屈折率を有する材料とは、重合体Ａの屈折率（Ｎ
ａ）よりも低い屈折率（Ｎｂ）を有する材料（以下、
「材料Ｂ」という）であっても、また、逆に高い屈折率
（Ｎｃ）を有する材料（以下、「材料Ｃ」という）であ
ってもよく、さらに単量体に限定されるものではない。The material having a refractive index different from the refractive index (Na) of the polymer A means the refractive index (N) of the polymer A.
a material having a lower refractive index (Nb) than a) (hereinafter,
It may be a "material B") or, conversely, a material having a high refractive index (Nc) (hereinafter referred to as "material C"), and is not limited to a monomer. .
【００１７】尚、良好な伝送特性を得るためには、材料
Ｂ，Ｃは非重合性（材料Ｂ，Ｃ単体では重合不可）の材
料であることが望ましい。これは、乾燥時に材料Ｂ，Ｃ
が重合して巨大分子化する結果、光散乱損失の要因とな
り、伝送損失を悪化させるおそれがあるからである。In order to obtain good transmission characteristics, it is desirable that the materials B and C are non-polymerizable (materials B and C alone cannot polymerize). This is the material B, C when dried
Is polymerized to become a macromolecule, which may cause a light scattering loss and worsen the transmission loss.
【００１８】また、重合体Ａをポリメチルメタクリレー
ト（ＰＭＭＡ）（Ｎａ：ｎ＝1.４９）とした場合におけ
る材料の具体例としては、低屈折率の材料Ｂとしては、
例えば酢酸ヘキシル（Ｎｂ：ｎ＝1.４０８），フタル酸
ビス（３，５，５−トリメチルヘキシル）（ｎ＝1.４８
７），フタル酸ビス（２−メチルヘキシル）（ｎ＝1.４
８６）等を例示することができる。また、一方の高屈折
率の材料Ｃとしては、例えばフタル酸ブチルベンジルエ
ステル（Ｎｂ：ｎ＝1.５３６），酢酸２−フェニルエテ
ル（ｎ＝1.５１），フタル酸ジメチル（ｎ＝1.５１
５），ジフェニルスルフィド（ｎ＝1.６３５），安息香
酸ビニル（ｎ＝1.５７７），ベンジルメタクリレート
（ｎ＝1.５６８），フタル酸ジアリル（ｎ＝1.５１８）
等を例示することができる。尚、上述したものの中で安
息香酸ビニル，ベンジルメタクリレート，フタル酸ジア
リルは重合性の材料である。When the polymer A is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (Na: n = 1.49), a specific example of the material is a low refractive index material B:
For example, hexyl acetate (Nb: n = 1.408), bis (3,5,5-trimethylhexyl phthalate) (n = 1.48)
7), bis (2-methylhexyl) phthalate (n = 1.4
86) and the like. On the other hand, as the material C having a high refractive index, for example, butylbenzyl phthalate (Nb: n = 1.536), 2-phenylether acetate (n = 1.51), dimethyl phthalate (n = 1.1.5). 51
5), diphenyl sulfide (n = 1.635), vinyl benzoate (n = 1.577), benzyl methacrylate (n = 1.568), diallyl phthalate (n = 1.518)
Etc. can be illustrated. Among the above-mentioned materials, vinyl benzoate, benzyl methacrylate and diallyl phthalate are polymerizable materials.
【００１９】上述した本発明方法は、製造工程において
特異な化学反応を使用しないので、作製する母材の大き
さや材料の種類を任意に選定することができる。従っ
て、特性の優れた材料を使用し、生産システムに適した
大きさの母材を容易に製造でき、所望の母材の量産化が
可能となる。特に、伝送特性的に優れた非重合性の材料
を、重合体Ａとは異なる屈折率を有する材料として選ぶ
ことができる点で、本製造方法は優れている。Since the above-described method of the present invention does not use a peculiar chemical reaction in the manufacturing process, it is possible to arbitrarily select the size of the base material to be manufactured and the kind of material. Therefore, it is possible to easily manufacture a base material having a size suitable for a production system by using a material having excellent characteristics, and mass-produce a desired base material. In particular, the present manufacturing method is excellent in that a non-polymerizable material having excellent transmission characteristics can be selected as a material having a refractive index different from that of the polymer A.
【００２０】次に、プラスチック光ファイバ用母材を製
造する一例を図１を参照して説明する。重合体Ａは該重
合体Ａを溶解し得る溶剤と共に塗布原料とし供給タンク
１３内に注入されており、一方の材料は屈折率調整タン
ク１４内に貯溜されており、塗布を重ねるごとに、あら
かじめ設定された光学的屈折率の勾配（屈折率分布）を
得るために、供給タンク１３内に屈折率調整タンク１４
から材料Ｂを導入することにより、供給タンク１３内の
屈折率を徐々に変化させている。Next, an example of manufacturing the plastic optical fiber preform will be described with reference to FIG. The polymer A is injected as a coating raw material into the supply tank 13 together with a solvent capable of dissolving the polymer A, and one material is stored in the refractive index adjusting tank 14, and the coating material is preliminarily added every time the coating is repeated. In order to obtain the set gradient (refractive index distribution) of the optical refractive index, the refractive index adjusting tank 14 is provided in the supply tank 13.
By introducing the material B from the above, the refractive index in the supply tank 13 is gradually changed.
【００２１】そして、図１に示すように出発ロッド１１
を回転させながら、塗布手段１２としてのスプレーを、
軸方向に往復動させ、噴霧すると共に、乾燥器１５によ
る乾燥を行って、漸次屈折率が変化した噴射原料を噴霧
塗布し、母材の中心から外径方向に向って屈折率が漸次
降下してなるクラッド層を形成する。Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the starting rod 11
While rotating the, spray as the application means 12,
It is reciprocally moved in the axial direction, sprayed, and dried by the drier 15 to spray-apply the injection raw material having a gradually changing refractive index, and the refractive index gradually decreases from the center of the base material in the outer diameter direction. To form a clad layer.
【００２２】尚、出発ロッド１１に屈折率が徐々に変化
してなる供給原料を塗布する手段としては、公知の方向
を用いることができ、上述したスプレー式の塗布の他
に、図２に示すように、塗布手段１２として刷毛を用い
た刷毛塗りによっても同様に行うことができる。また、
乾燥は、塗布と同時でも、又は塗布と乾燥とを交互に行
うようにしてもいずれであってもよい。A known direction can be used as a means for applying the feed material having the refractive index gradually changed to the starting rod 11, and in addition to the above-mentioned spray-type application, it is shown in FIG. As described above, the same can be done by applying a brush using a brush as the application unit 12. Also,
The drying may be performed simultaneously with the coating, or may be performed by alternately performing the coating and the drying.
【００２３】図３（Ａ）は、このようにして得られたプ
ラスチック光ファイバ母材１６を示し、図３（Ｂ）はそ
のＧＩ型の屈折率分布を示す。FIG. 3A shows the plastic optical fiber preform 16 thus obtained, and FIG. 3B shows its GI type refractive index profile.
【００２４】尚、図３（Ｂ）に示すように、出発ロッド
１１の径Ｄ1 は、最終母材径Ｄ2 の少くとも２０％以
下、望ましくは１０％以下のものであれば、屈折率分布
は所望のＧＩ型の分布を得ることができる。As shown in FIG. 3 (B), if the diameter D 1 of the starting rod 11 is at least 20% or less, preferably 10% or less of the final base material diameter D 2 , the refractive index As for the distribution, a desired GI type distribution can be obtained.
【００２５】上述したようにして得られた光ファイバ母
材は、通常の線引き操作、例えば当該光ファイバ母材を
鉛直状態に保持して加熱溶融し、所望のプラスチック光
ファイバを得る。The optical fiber preform obtained as described above is subjected to a normal drawing operation, for example, the optical fiber preform is held in a vertical state and heated and melted to obtain a desired plastic optical fiber.
【００２６】図４は、スプレー方式又は刷毛塗り方式と
は別の塗布方法の一例を示すものであり、「キャスト方
式」の概略を示す。同図中、符号２１は出発ロッド、２
２は塗布タンク、２３は乾燥器及び２４は塗布液供給パ
イプを各々図示する。FIG. 4 shows an example of a coating method other than the spray method or the brush coating method, and shows an outline of the "cast method". In the figure, reference numeral 21 is a starting rod, 2
2 is a coating tank, 23 is a dryer, and 24 is a coating liquid supply pipe.
【００２７】上記構成において、出発ロッド２１を塗布
タンク２２内に浸漬して引上げた後（図４（ａ），
（ｂ））、乾燥器２３を用いて乾燥する（図４
（ｃ））。そして、この工程を一工程として各工程毎
に、塗布タンク２２内の屈折率濃度を塗布液供給パイプ
２４からの屈折率調整用の原料を添加して順次変更さ
せ、繰り返しキャスティングを行うことで、母材の中心
から外径方向に向って屈折率が漸次減少してなる、図３
に示すＧＩ型の分布を有するプラスチック光ファイバ用
母材１６を形成する。In the above structure, after the starting rod 21 is immersed in the coating tank 22 and pulled up (FIG. 4 (a),
(B)), it dries using the dryer 23 (FIG. 4).
(C)). Then, with this step as one step, the refractive index concentration in the coating tank 22 is sequentially changed by adding the raw material for adjusting the refractive index from the coating liquid supply pipe 24 for each step, and by repeatedly casting, The refractive index gradually decreases from the center of the base material in the radial direction, as shown in FIG.
A base material 16 for a plastic optical fiber having a GI type distribution shown in FIG.
【００２８】また、上記製法において、繰り返し塗布又
はキャスティングの回数は、多い方が、より精密なＧＩ
型分布を得ることができる。すなわち、塗布形成後、拡
散等の後処理を行うこと無く、充分な伝送特性を有する
には、塗布の繰り返し回数は最低でも２０回以上、望ま
しくは１００回以上が必要である。屈折率分布の精密さ
の点からは、塗布回数は多いほど望ましい。尚、１００
０回を越える塗布は母材作製に時間がかかりすぎて量産
化には不適である。In the above-mentioned manufacturing method, the greater the number of times of repeated coating or casting, the more precise the GI.
The type distribution can be obtained. That is, in order to have sufficient transmission characteristics without performing post-treatment such as diffusion after coating formation, the number of coating repetitions is at least 20 times or more, preferably 100 times or more. From the viewpoint of the precision of the refractive index distribution, the larger the number of coatings, the more desirable. Incidentally, 100
Coating more than 0 times is not suitable for mass production because it takes too much time to prepare the base material.
【００２９】また、塗布の繰り返し回数の制御は、最終
的な母材外径が任意の場合は、単に繰り返し毎の屈折率
調整割合を変化させる事で制御できる。一方、母材外径
に制限がある場合は、塗布液の粘度を、溶媒の割合等で
調整する事によっても達成できる。一般に塗布液の粘度
を低くする程、１回あたりの実着量が減るため、多い繰
り返し回数で母材を作製できる。Further, when the final outer diameter of the base material is arbitrary, the number of times the coating is repeated can be controlled by simply changing the refractive index adjustment ratio for each repetition. On the other hand, when the outer diameter of the base material is limited, it can also be achieved by adjusting the viscosity of the coating liquid by the ratio of the solvent or the like. Generally, the lower the viscosity of the coating liquid is, the less the actual amount of coating material is, so that the base material can be manufactured with a large number of repetitions.
【００３０】[0030]
【実施例】以下、本発明の好適な実施例を説明する。 （実施例１）前述した図１を参照して実施例１を説明す
る。透明な重合体Ａとしては、ポリメチルメタクリレー
ト（ＰＭＭＡ；屈折率（Ｎａ）＝1.４９０）を用い、こ
の重合体Ａを主成分として出発ロッド１１を形成した。
供給タンク１３内には、重合体Ａ（ＰＭＭＡ）を溶剤
（テトロヒドロフラン：ＴＨＦ）に所定割合で溶解した
ものを注入する。材料Ｂとしては重合体Ａより低い屈折
率を有する酢酸ヘキシル（屈折率（Ｎｂ）＝1.４０８）
をＴＨＦに溶解し、屈折率調整タンク１４に貯溜した。
上記得られた出発ロッド１１を図示しない回転装置に設
置し、供給タンク１３からの原料をスプレー１２を用い
て軸方向に亙って均一に塗布した。The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below. (Example 1) Example 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA; refractive index (Na) = 1.490) was used as the transparent polymer A, and the starting rod 11 was formed with the polymer A as the main component.
Polymer A (PMMA) dissolved in a solvent (tetrohydrofuran: THF) at a predetermined ratio is injected into the supply tank 13. As the material B, hexyl acetate having a lower refractive index than the polymer A (refractive index (Nb) = 1.408)
Was dissolved in THF and stored in the refractive index adjustment tank 14.
The obtained starting rod 11 was installed in a rotating device (not shown), and the raw material from the supply tank 13 was applied uniformly using the spray 12 in the axial direction.
【００３１】この塗布に際し、供給タンク１３内に屈折
率調整タンク１４から材料Ｂを徐々に供給して、材料Ｂ
の配合割合を各塗布毎に上げて塗布液の屈折率を降下さ
せ、１００回の繰返しで母材の中心から外周方向に向っ
て屈折率が漸次降下していく、図３（Ａ），（Ｂ）に示
す、ＧＩ型屈折率分布を有するプラスチック光ファイバ
母材１６を得た。At the time of this coating, the material B is gradually supplied into the supply tank 13 from the refractive index adjusting tank 14 to obtain the material B.
3A is increased by increasing the compounding ratio for each application to decrease the refractive index of the coating liquid, and the refractive index gradually decreases from the center of the base material toward the outer peripheral direction after 100 repetitions. A plastic optical fiber preform 16 having a GI type refractive index distribution shown in B) was obtained.
【００３２】（実施例２）実施例１と同様に、前述した
図１を参照して実施例２を説明する。透明な重合体Ａと
して、ポリメチルメタクリレート（ＰＭＭＡ；屈折率
（Ｎａ）＝1.４９２）を用い、この重合体Ａの屈折率
（Ｎａ）より高い屈折率を有する材料Ｃとして、フタル
酸ブチルベンジルエステル（屈折率（Ｎｃ）＝1.５３
６）を用い、この両者を主成分として出発ロッド（屈折
率：1.５０７）１１を形成した。供給タンク１３内に
は、出発ロッド１１を形成した重合体Ａ（ＰＭＭＡ）及
び材料Ｃからなる混合液（屈折率：1.５０７）を溶剤
（テトロヒドロフラン：ＴＨＦ）に溶解したものを注入
する。屈折率調整タンク１４には、重合体ＡをＴＨＦに
溶解して貯溜した。上記得られた出発ロッド１１を図示
しない回転装置に設置し、供給タンク１３からの原料を
スプレー１２を用いて軸方向に亙って均一に塗布した。(Embodiment 2) Similar to Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA; refractive index (Na) = 1.492) was used as the transparent polymer A, and butylbenzyl phthalate was used as the material C having a refractive index higher than the refractive index (Na) of the polymer A. Ester (refractive index (Nc) = 1.53
6) was used, and a starting rod (refractive index: 1.507) 11 was formed by using both of them as main components. Into the supply tank 13, a mixed solution (refractive index: 1.507) of the polymer A (PMMA) forming the starting rod 11 and the material C is dissolved in a solvent (tetrohydrofuran: THF). . The polymer A was dissolved in THF and stored in the refractive index adjustment tank 14. The obtained starting rod 11 was installed in a rotating device (not shown), and the raw material from the supply tank 13 was applied uniformly using the spray 12 in the axial direction.
【００３３】この塗布に際し、供給タンク１３内に屈折
率調整タンク１４から原料Ａを徐々に供給して、原料Ａ
の配合割合を各塗布毎に上げて塗布液の屈折率を漸次降
下させ、１００回の繰り返しで母材の中心から外周方向
に向って屈折率が漸次降下していく、図３（Ａ），
（Ｂ）に示す、ＧＩ型屈折率分布を有するプラスチック
光ファイバ母材１６を得た。At the time of this coating, the raw material A is gradually supplied into the supply tank 13 from the refractive index adjusting tank 14 to obtain the raw material A.
3A is increased for each application to gradually decrease the refractive index of the coating liquid, and the refractive index gradually decreases from the center of the base material toward the outer peripheral direction after 100 repetitions.
A plastic optical fiber preform 16 having a GI type refractive index distribution shown in (B) was obtained.
【００３４】（実施例３）材料Ｃとしてベンジルメタク
リレート（ｎ＝1.５６８）を使用した以外は実施例２と
同一条件で母材を作製した。Example 3 A base material was prepared under the same conditions as in Example 2 except that benzyl methacrylate (n = 1.568) was used as the material C.
【００３５】（比較例１）屈折率調整を塗布８〜２０回
毎に行い、図３（ｃ）に示すような９段のステップ型の
屈折率分布を作製した以外は実施例２と同一条件で母材
を作製した。(Comparative Example 1) The same conditions as in Example 2 were adopted except that the refractive index was adjusted every 8 to 20 times of coating to form a 9-step step type refractive index profile as shown in FIG. 3C. The base material was manufactured by.
【００３６】（比較例２）比較例１と同一条件で作製し
た母材を、更に窒素雰囲気下で８０℃、２０時間熱処理
した。Comparative Example 2 The base material produced under the same conditions as in Comparative Example 1 was further heat-treated at 80 ° C. for 20 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere.
【００３７】（伝送特性評価）上記の各母材を溶融線引
して、１mmφの長さ１００ｍオールプラスチック光ファ
イバ（ＡＰＦ）を作製した。これらのファイバの、0.６
５８μｍの伝送損失と帯域を評価した結果を下記「表
１」に示す。尚、光源は、伝送損失、帯域共に波長0.６
５８μｍのＬＤを使用。また、帯域測定は光源に半値幅
６０ｐｓｅｃのパルスを発生させ、ＦＦＴ型光オシロ
（浜松ホトニクス製）にて測定した。(Evaluation of Transmission Characteristics) Each of the above-mentioned base materials was melt-drawn and a 100 mm-long 100 m all-plastic optical fiber (APF) was produced. 0.6 of these fibers
The results of evaluation of the transmission loss of 58 μm and the band are shown in “Table 1” below. The light source has a wavelength of 0.6 for both transmission loss and bandwidth.
Uses a 58 μm LD. In the band measurement, a pulse having a half width of 60 psec was generated in the light source, and the FFT optical oscilloscope (manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics) was used for measurement.
【００３８】[0038]
【表１】 [Table 1]
【００３９】本結果より、本手法に基づく光ファイバは
精密なＧＩ型屈折率分布を有しているため、良好な伝送
帯域特性を示しており、多量の情報を伝送するのに適し
ていることがわかる。From this result, the optical fiber based on this method has a precise GI type refractive index distribution, and therefore exhibits a good transmission band characteristic and is suitable for transmitting a large amount of information. I understand.
【００４０】[0040]
【発明の効果】以上、実施例と共に述べたように本発明
によれば、従来の方法では極めて困難であった屈折率分
布の制御を容易で且つ簡易な方法で、均質なＧＩ型のプ
ラスチック光ファイバ母材を得ることができる。As described above with reference to the embodiments, according to the present invention, it is possible to control the refractive index distribution, which is extremely difficult by the conventional method, by an easy and simple method, and a uniform GI type plastic optical material. A fiber preform can be obtained.
【図１】スプレー方式の塗布方法の概略図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a spray-type coating method.
【図２】刷毛塗方式の塗布方法の概略図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a brush coating method.
【図３】プラスチック母材とその屈折率分布図である。FIG. 3 is a plastic base material and its refractive index distribution chart.
【図４】キャスト方式の塗布方法の概略図である。FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a casting method.
【図５】（Ａ）はプラスチック母材の概略図であり、
（Ｂ）はＳＩ型の屈折率分布図、（Ｃ）はＧＩ型の屈折
率分布図である。FIG. 5 (A) is a schematic view of a plastic base material,
(B) is a SI type refractive index profile and (C) is a GI type refractive index profile.
１１，２１ 出発ロッド １２ 塗布手段 １３ 供給タンク １４ 屈折率調整タンク １５，２３ 乾燥器 １６ プラスチック光ファイバ母材 ２２ 塗布タンク ２４ 供給パイプ 11, 21 Departure rod 12 Coating means 13 Supply tank 14 Refractive index adjusting tank 15, 23 Dryer 16 Plastic optical fiber base material 22 Coating tank 24 Supply pipe
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 松田 裕男 神奈川県横浜市栄区田谷町１番地 住友電 気工業株式会社横浜製作所内 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Hiroo Matsuda 1 Taya-cho, Sakae-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Yokohama Works
Claims (3)
周囲に、該重合体の屈折率と異なる屈折率を有する材料
が当該重合体に配合してなる塗布液を用いて塗布し乾燥
することを複数回に亙って行うに際し、 塗布を重ねる毎に、該塗布液中に配合される材料の配合
割合を変化させて、屈折率を順次降下させ、 光ファイバ母材の中心から外径方向に向ってその屈折率
を漸次降下してなる屈折率分布を形成することを特徴と
するプラスチック光ファイバ母材の製造方法。1. A method in which a material having a refractive index different from the refractive index of the polymer is applied to the periphery of a starting rod containing the polymer as a main component by using a coating solution prepared by mixing the polymer, and then dried. When the coating is performed multiple times, the blending ratio of the material blended in the coating liquid is changed every time the coating is repeated, and the refractive index is gradually lowered to make the radial direction from the center of the optical fiber preform. A method of manufacturing a plastic optical fiber preform, characterized in that a refractive index distribution is formed by gradually lowering the refractive index toward.
Ａ（屈折率：Ｎａ）を主成分としてなり、材料Ｂが該重
合体Ａの屈折率（Ｎａ）より低い屈折率（Ｎｂ）を有す
ることを特徴とするプラスチック光ファイバ母材の製造
方法。2. The starting rod according to claim 1, wherein the polymer A (refractive index: Na) is a main component, and the material B has a refractive index (Nb) lower than the refractive index (Na) of the polymer A. A method for producing a plastic optical fiber preform characterized by the above.
Ａ（屈折率：Ｎａ）と該重合体Ａより高い屈折率（Ｎ
ｃ）を有する材料Ｃとを主成分としてなり、塗布液中の
材料Ｃの配合割合を塗布毎に減少させることを特徴とす
るプラスチック光ファイバ母材の製造方法。3. The polymer according to claim 1, wherein the starting rod has a refractive index (N) higher than that of the polymer A (refractive index: Na).
and a material C having c) as a main component, and the compounding ratio of the material C in the coating liquid is decreased with each application.
Priority Applications (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP5147277A JPH075331A (en) | 1993-06-18 | 1993-06-18 | Method for manufacturing plastic optical fiber preform |
| EP94917811A EP0662620A4 (en) | 1993-06-18 | 1994-06-14 | Production method and apparatus for plastic optical fiber base material. |
| US08/381,874 US5639512A (en) | 1993-06-18 | 1994-06-14 | Plastic optical fiber preform, and process and apparatus for producing the same |
| PCT/JP1994/000962 WO1995000868A1 (en) | 1993-06-18 | 1994-06-14 | Production method and apparatus for plastic optical fiber base material |
| US08/837,103 US5891570A (en) | 1993-06-18 | 1997-04-14 | Plastic optical fiber preform having a jacket layer |
| US08/837,104 US5916495A (en) | 1993-06-18 | 1997-04-14 | Plastic optical fiber preform, and process and apparatus for producing the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP5147277A JPH075331A (en) | 1993-06-18 | 1993-06-18 | Method for manufacturing plastic optical fiber preform |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH075331A true JPH075331A (en) | 1995-01-10 |
Family
ID=15426577
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP5147277A Withdrawn JPH075331A (en) | 1993-06-18 | 1993-06-18 | Method for manufacturing plastic optical fiber preform |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH075331A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR100433905B1 (en) * | 2002-08-26 | 2004-06-04 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Plastic optical fiber and method for fabricating thereof |
| JP2008216318A (en) * | 2007-02-28 | 2008-09-18 | Hitachi Cable Ltd | Heat resistant synthetic resin optical fiber and manufacturing method thereof |
-
1993
- 1993-06-18 JP JP5147277A patent/JPH075331A/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR100433905B1 (en) * | 2002-08-26 | 2004-06-04 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Plastic optical fiber and method for fabricating thereof |
| JP2008216318A (en) * | 2007-02-28 | 2008-09-18 | Hitachi Cable Ltd | Heat resistant synthetic resin optical fiber and manufacturing method thereof |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5916495A (en) | Plastic optical fiber preform, and process and apparatus for producing the same | |
| JP3471015B2 (en) | Method for manufacturing plastic optical transmission body | |
| JPWO1994004949A1 (en) | Method for manufacturing a plastic light transmitting element | |
| US5851666A (en) | Plastic optical fiber preform, and process and apparatus for producing the same | |
| JPH075331A (en) | Method for manufacturing plastic optical fiber preform | |
| JP2001116932A (en) | Production of gradient refractive index plastic optical fiber | |
| US7058270B2 (en) | Method for preparing plastic optical fiber preform | |
| JPH0727928A (en) | Production of plastic optical transmission body | |
| JPH075329A (en) | Method and apparatus for manufacturing plastic optical fiber preform | |
| JP3574478B2 (en) | Manufacturing method of plastic optical fiber preform | |
| JPH075330A (en) | Method and apparatus for manufacturing plastic optical fiber preform | |
| KR100430389B1 (en) | Cavity-Preventing Type Reactor and Method for Fabricating Preform for Plastic Optical Fiber Using the Same | |
| CN1246347C (en) | Method for mfg. plastic optical fiber prefabricated products | |
| JP3762489B2 (en) | Multi-step index type plastic optical fiber and manufacturing method thereof | |
| JPH10133036A (en) | Multistep index type plastic optical fiber and its production | |
| JPH0854520A (en) | Method for manufacturing plastic optical fiber preform | |
| JPH0713030A (en) | Method and apparatus for manufacturing plastic optical fiber preform | |
| JP3444317B2 (en) | Plastic optical fiber | |
| KR100586362B1 (en) | Apparatus and method for manufacturing a base material for plastic optical fibers using sequential ultraviolet light polymerization | |
| EP0662620A1 (en) | Production method and apparatus for plastic optical fiber base material | |
| JPH0713028A (en) | Method and apparatus for manufacturing plastic optical fiber preform | |
| JPH09138313A (en) | Production of distributed refractive index plastic optical fiber | |
| CN1195235C (en) | Method for preparing gradation type plastic optical fiber | |
| JPH075332A (en) | Plastic optical fiber preform and method of manufacturing the same | |
| KR100498189B1 (en) | Method for producing a preform for a graded-index plastic optical fiber by high speed revolution |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A300 | Application deemed to be withdrawn because no request for examination was validly filed |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A300 Effective date: 20000905 |