Optical waveguide with protective compression coating of metallic glass

Abstract From the Canadian patent

ion of The Invention, An optical waveguide includes a core of high purity fused silica, a cladding of high purity fused silica and a protective coating of metallic glass. The protective coating is applied as a liquid which contracts more than the glass after it solidifies to place the surface of the glass cladding under compression. Because the waveguide will break only under tension, the force of compression must be overcome before the waveguide can be fractured thereby strengthening the waveguide considerably. The metallic glass coating provides further advantages of abrasion protection and the prevention of fatigue.