Optical Fiber Production in Microgravity (Made In Space Fiber Optics)

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The Optical Fiber Production in Microgravity (Made In Space Fiber Optics) investigation demonstrates the merits of manufacturing fiber optic filaments in microgravity. The fiber optic material chosen for this demonstration is ZBLAN. Research indicates this material has the potential for better optical qualities than the silica used in most fiber optic cable. This demonstration of the scientific and commercial merits of manufacturing exotic optical fiber in microgravity could set the stage for large scale manufacture of high-quality fiber optic fiber in orbit. Science Results for Everyone
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The following content was provided by Jan Clawson, and is maintained in a database by the ISS Program Science Office.

Experiment Details OpNom: Made In Space Fiber Optics
Principal Investigator(s)
Jan Clawson, Made In Space, Jacksonville, FL, United States

Co-Investigator(s)/Collaborator(s)
Michael P. Snyder, M.S. Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering, Made in Space, Moffett Field, CA, United States

Developer(s)
Made In Space, Moffett Field, CA, United States

Sponsoring Space Agency
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Sponsoring Organization
National Laboratory (NL)

Research Benefits
Earth Benefits, Scientific Discovery

ISS Expedition Duration
September 2017 - February 2018

Expeditions Assigned
53/54

Previous Missions
none

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Experiment Description Research Overview
The Optical Fiber Production in Microgravity Experiment (OFPIM), by the company Made In Space (MIS), demonstrates the scientific and commercial merit for Earth of manufacturing novel optical fiber material in the microgravity environment on the International Space Station (ISS). The optical fiber chosen for production in microgravity aboard the ISS is the high value optical fiber, ZBLAN. Research indicates that ZBLAN produced in a microgravity environment exhibits significant improvement its performance as fiber optic fiber material. The resulting structure of the material provides further information for the future manufacture of these materials in microgravity.
Description
The Optical Fiber Production in Microgravity (Made In Space Fiber Optics) is attempting to pull fiber optic wire from ZBLAN, a heavy metal fluoride glass commonly used to make fiber optic glass. When ZBLAN is solidified in a one-G environment, its atomic structure tends to form into crystals. Research indicates that ZBLAN fiber pulled in microgravity may not crystalize as much, giving it better optical qualities than the silica used in most fiber optic wire.

Source Link:  https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/2421.html