Abstract

Among all IR transmitting materials, ZrF₄ based glasses seem very promising for preparation of ultralow-loss fiber waveguides, since they exhibit a potential loss as low as 10^-2 dB/km at 4.4 μm and appear to possess adequate mechanical properties, chemical stability, and environmental resistance.^1,2 For long distance, repeaterless data links for communications, it is essential that these glasses can be drawn into fibers of extended lengths.

© 1982 Optical Society of America