Effects of Silica Nanoparticles Addition in the Secondary Coating of Dual-coated Optical Fibers

Abstract

The mechanical and optical properties of dual-coated optical fibers with silica nanoparticles addition in the secondary (outer) coating have been investigated. Incorporation of silica nanoparticles in the secondary coating are shown to enhance the resistance of fused silica optical fiber to fatigue and zero stress aging without degrading the tensile strength. The effects of the pretreatment on the nanoparticles are also studied. It has been found that proper techniques can generate coating mixtures with well dispersed nanoparticles, which consequently reduce the added optical loss and improve the mechanical reliability by slowing the fiber surface roughening process. Complicated chemical treatment on the nanoparticles does not significantly help the dispersion. On the contrary, the dispersant treatment reduces the efficiency of the nanoparticles by impeding the particles reacting with water.