Since the development of low loss optical fibres by Corning Glass Works in 1970, the goal of fibre-optic researchers has been to minimize fiber loss. Japan has achieved tremendous strides in this area, at first through the use of the modified chemical-vapor deposition (MCVD) process, later through a host of processes that promise widespread commerical availability of optical fibres. This book examines the history of optical fibres, the more common manufacturing process and the manufacture and potential use of polarizaiton-maintaining fibers.
