Fiber materials and fabrication methods.

Optical fiber materials and fabrication methods are reviewed, with the primary focus on high silica telecommunication lightguides. Topics covered include optical properties of materials, including hydrogen and radiation-induced effects in silica-based fibers; mechanical strength and fatigue; high silica preform fabrication techniques for conventional fiber designs; fiber drawing and coating; birefringent fiber fabrication; and status of plastic and infrared fibers. This paper will appear as Chapter 4 in the forthcoming book, Optical Fiber Telecommunications II, edited by S. E. Miller and I. P. Kaminow.