Measurement and control challenges for the specialty optical fibre industry in the 21st Century

There is an emerging demand for specialty silica-based fibres whose specifications are considerably tighter than those for current telecommunications grade fibre. This study considers measurement and control related issues that needs to be successfully addressed so as to meet these specifications. Both key stages in the overall process (i.e. preform manufacture, here by modified chemical vapour deposition, and drawing of the preform to fibre) are considered. Analysis of the data from an online laser gauge measuring fibre diameter, as well as dynamic modelling and control results for a research tower producing speciality fibres are presented. Likely impediments to producing the next generation of high specification fibres are discussed.