EPSRC Reference: |
GR/L84964/01 |
Title: |
JREI: PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT OF FIBRE OPTIC PREFORM PRODUCTION |
Principal Investigator: |
Payne, Professor Sir DN |
Other Investigators: |
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Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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Project Partners: |
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Department: |
Optoelectronics Research Ctr (closed) |
Organisation: |
University of Southampton |
Scheme: |
JREI |
Starts: |
01 March 1998 |
Ends: |
31 July 2001 |
Value (£): |
59,493
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EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
Optical Devices & Subsystems |
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EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
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Related Grants: |
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Panel History: |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
Fibre optics communications systems are critically dependent on chemical vapour deposition processes. Three methods are currently used: MCVD, where the core material is deposited inside a tube, OVD, in which material is deposited on a rod, and VAD, in which a 'boule' is grown by axial deposition, in each case followed by controlled melting. Despite the enormous importance of these processes, remarkably little work has been published on diagnostics for process optimisation, which has been largely empirical; clear potential exists for improvements in both the production process (speed of deposition, reactant utilisation) and the resulting fibre preform (uniformity, purity) if the deposition processes are better controlled. The proposal provides funding for:- a substantial upgrade to the extract and fume scrubbing facilities at the University, permitting operation of industrially relevant scale VAD flames.- a dual wavelength He-Cd laser which will permit mapping of particulate growth in the CVD process flame.- a gated intensified visible spectroscopic system to be used for flame diagnostics.with the objective of obtaining process and product improvements.50% funding has been offered by Pirelli limited to support these purchases; Pirelli are a major fibre manufacturer and will provide invaluable guidance on the process improvements required.
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Key Findings |
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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Impacts |
Description |
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Summary |
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Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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Project URL: |
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Further Information: |
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Organisation Website: |
http://www.soton.ac.uk |