Specialists from Perm National Research Polytechnic University (PNRPU) have developed a hydrogel made of quartz and alkali. The material was created to connect fiber optic lines and prevent signal loss, the university's press service reported.
Fiber optic lines are used for data transmission in navigation, the oil and gas industry, space, and other fields.
The quality of the transmitted signal directly depends on the tip, which mechanically aligns and connects the ends of the quartz fibers to each other. The optical fiber must be well fixed in the tip to prevent signal attenuation and loss of information.
Experts emphasized that connecting tips are made of fused quartz, which has high chemical and mechanical resistance. It can be used when working with optical fiber at temperatures up to 300 °C, where polymer adhesives do not work, but the new hydrogel is applicable.
Reacting with sodium hydroxide (alkali), it forms sodium polysilicate - a material that is prone to gel formation and has binding properties. When heated, it expands and fixes the optical fiber in the desired position.
According to scientists, the new hydrogel allows the tip to be attached in an effective way. The new approach will ensure reliable connection of fiber lines and signal transmission.
The fastening method was tested in practice. A solution of sodium hydroxide was applied to the connector with optical fiber and placed in a thermostat at a temperature of 90°C. After a day, the tip was subjected to heat treatment at a temperature of 250°C for 15 minutes. As a result, a cellular structure was formed, firmly fixing the optical fiber.
Earlier www1.ru reported that Russian manufacturers have started creating optical fiber.
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