Polymers for Optical FIber Technology

Polymeric materials have been engineered for many applications in optical fiber technology. Photocuring polymers for high-speed coating of glass optical fiber have been developed to meet stringent performance criteria for their mechanical, thermal and aging properties. Transparent polymers are being developed for applications in plastic waveguides, optical and optoelectronic devices, and optical fiber sensors. The crucial engineering properties required, and the obstacles which must be overcome, for successful application of these materials are described.