Low Loss Infrared Fiber Imaging Bundles

Imaging bundles of infrared fibers will be developoed for use in an IR scene generation system. The fibers will be made from zirconium fluoride glass for the 3-5 micron region, and chalcogenide glass for the 8-12 micron region. Low loss chalcogenide glass fibers will be developed by improving the perform and fiber processing techniques, and using high purity starting materials and glasses. In particular, optimized cladding will be developed, scattering defects minimized, and purification improved to achieve lower loss. The fibers will then be formed into coherent bundles for image relay applications.