Optimal Glass Deposition in Optical Fiber Manufacturing.

We model the thickness of glass layer deposited in optical fiber manufacturing as a convolution of the deposit density profile h with a scheduling function w. When h is known, we show how to choose the optimal deposition schedule in order to maximize the useful length of the fiber preform. Conversely, the model allows a practical estimation of h from measurements of finished preforms. We apply the model to analyze the new technology of plasma vapor deposition (PMCVD) which has been tested at Atlanta works. The results are used to suggest the methods of improving the yieled and uniformity of fiber preforms.