Enhanced optical fiber fabrication via the MCVD process incorporating pre-synthesized ZrO2 nanoparticles

Nanoparticle-doped optical fibers have experienced significant advancements in recent years, driven by their numerous applications. Nanoparticles (NPs) enable the isolation of luminescent ions from the silica matrix allowing precise engineering of luminescence properties. Additionally, light scattering induced by nanoparticles can also be exploited to develop sensors. The effectiveness of these applications relies on the ability to control the nanoparticle characteristics within the fiber. This study highlights the use of pre-synthesized zirconium oxide (ZrO 2 ) nanocrystals as dopant with a particular focus on their characterization at every stage of the manufacturing process. The findings highlight the survival of ZrO 2 nanocrystals throughout the entire process, from the preform to the as-drawn fiber, demonstrating the robustness and potential of this approach. • Silica-based optical fiber is prepared by doping with pre-synthesized ZrO 2 nanocrystals. • ZrO 2 nanocrystals are characterized all along the fabrication process. • First demonstration of ZrO 2 nanocrystals' survival in as-drawn fiber.