SBIR-STTR Award

There is a great need for polymers optical fiber cladding materials with the following characteristics: a) low refractive index, b) transparent, c) low temperature processing, d) optical radiation hardness the object of this research is to synthesize homopolymer small batches of fluorinated methacrylate and copolymers, to characterize the performance of these polymers and to select one polymer scale up. Initial synthese will be via bulk polymerization technique for the synthesis. Phase I of this result will result in the ability of our company to provide pilot scale batches of novel cladding material to the growing number of plastic optical fiber (pof) manufacturers in the u.s. There is no such material available in the u.s. At this time. Japan currently offers fluorocarbon cladding materials at exorbitant prices. The technology developed here is of commerical benefit to companies which supply monomers and companies (optical polymer research, inc.) which synthesize cladding polymers. More importantly, this project will assist the u.s. In remaining a leading competitor in the area of optical communications.

Keywords:
Transparent Radiation Hard Refractive Index Polymers

Due to the very apparent need and lack of availability of low refractive index cladding polymers in the U.S., Optical Polymer Research, Inc. (OPRI) developed a unique low refractive index optical fiber cladding system that is now the subject of a U.S. Patent application. Similar cladding ploymers are not currently available to U.S. optical fiber manufacturers while major poducers of plastic optical fibers, are entirely of foreign origin and represent an estimated importation valued at $48,000,000 per year. The subject of this proposal is: 1. The study and extension of this new polymer cladding system to include cladding and cladding procedures for all major optical fiber core materials. 2. To develop, characterize and commercialize other new low refractive index cladding polymers. 3. To study the physical properties of polymers produced by this unique system, a system that may be tailored to produce elastomers to rigid cladding polymers. 4. To expand the cladding options for optical fiber manufacturers. OPRI is working cooperatively with several "Industrial Partners" representing manufacturers of most optical fiber core material. Other industrial and academic interests in OPRI's cladding materials have been received. The University of South Florida, under the direction of Dr. Julie Harmon, will investigate the chemical and physical properties of these new polymers. Anticipated

Benefits:
At present all plastic optical fibers are of foreign origin, representing an estimated annual import cost of $48,000,000. Any potential competing U.S. company will require a suitable cladding material to enhance the light carrying properties of the optical fiber. OPRI, has developed a propiety product such as this and is currently working with several "Indeustrial Patners" to develop and commercialize these products.