Abstract

The interest in optical devices for optical communications in the 2-10-μm spectral region is based on the continuing development of fibers having potentially very low losses. For example, predicted loss values¹ are 10⁻³ dB/km at 3.4μm (BaF₂–GdF₃–ZrF₄), 10⁻² dB/km at 2.7μm (BaF₂–CaF₂–YF₃–AIF₃), and 10⁻² dB/km at 4.5μm (GeS₃). At this time, however, losses are considerably higher.

© 1983 Optical Society of America