Optimization of an Optical Fiber Drawing Process under Uncertainty

Abstract

Optical fibers are used in diverse applications ranging from ocean and terrestrial cables to remote sensors and to light guides in medical applications. The information and telecommunications industries are other fields where optical fibers are actively used. However, the full potential of optical fibers has not been realized because of performance and production limitations. In the manufacturing process, high draw speeds result in large temperature gradients, which often lead to inferior quality fiber with poor optical and mechanical properties. On the other hand, low draw speeds lead to superior quality fiber with better optical and mechanical properties. Here, quality is achieved at the expense of a reduced rate of production. Therefore, the realization of good quality fiber without unduly compromising the production throughput can be assessed through the solution of an optimization model. The objective is to maximize the fiber draw speed subject to constraints on fiber mechanical and transmission properties. Additional complications arise in the optimization problem when uncertainties in process and model parameters are accounted for.