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Growth of Optical Quality Sapphire Single Crystal Fibers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 February 2011

Dieter H. Jundt
Affiliation:
Applied Physics Department, Stanford University,Stanford, California 94305
Martin. M. Fejer
Affiliation:
Applied Physics Department, Stanford University,Stanford, California 94305
Robert. L. Byer
Affiliation:
Applied Physics Department, Stanford University,Stanford, California 94305
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Abstract

Void-free sapphire single crystal fibers with diameters of 110 μm and 60 μm and lengths of over 2 m have been grown by the laser-heated pedestal growth method. The growth dynamics of the floating zone was studied and shows the features expected from a simple theoretical model. Optical losses have a minimum of 0.5 dB/m in the near infrared at 1064 nm. An absorption band centered at 400 nm results in losses of up to 20 dB/m in the visible. The fibers have potential applications in high temperature thermometry and in delivery systems for laser surgery. Absorption losses of 0.88 dB/m with a damage threshold higher than 1.2 kJ/cm2 at 2936 nm made tissue ablation feasible with fibers several meters in length.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1990

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