Amorphous Nanostructured Composite Optical Fibers (FOCaNA)

PROJECT COST:

767 178 $

PRIMA CONTRIBUTION:

345 978 $

PROJECT DETAILS:

Historically, the development of silica fibers and their doping with rare earth ions has laid the foundation of our modern communication methods. Their ability to transmit signals across the globe, support kilowatt-level laser powers, and detect trace amounts of pollutants in the atmosphere is made possible by the exceptional quality of the materials they are made from. These fibers are generally produced using state-of-the-art technology involving modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) and solution doping of the various components needed to shape the core glass to meet the requirements of specific applications. Collaborative research between Laval University and Polytechnique Montréal has recently led to the development of a new glass synthesis process. The resulting synthesized glass matrices have much higher concentrations of rare earths than traditional methods, which helps to enhance the properties of optical fibers compared to current commercial solutions.

The aim of this project is therefore to explore the limits of the capabilities of these new glass compositions used in optical fibers, for laser applications in the visible range (emission between 500 and 645 nm) and for the prototyping of lasers operating in the near-infrared range (1000-1350 nm), all made possible by innovative manufacturing processes. The produced prototypes will have been validated in a real-world environment.

The completion of this project between three Quebec partners—MPB Communication Inc., Laval University, and Polytechnique Montréal—represents an ideal combination of expertise that will enable Quebec to establish itself as a promoter of a new generation of optical fibers. The developed technologies will allow Quebec to stand out on the international stage. A doctoral student and a postdoctoral fellow will be trained during this project.