Modelling the extrusion of preforms for microstructured optical fibres

Owing to a novel design, microstructured optical fibres (MOFs) promise the realisation of fibres with effectively any desired optical properties. MOFs are typically constructed from glass and employ a series of air channels aligned along the fibre axis to form a waveguide. The construction of MOFs by first extruding a preform and then drawing this into the final fibre has the potential to produce fibres on an industrial scale; however, this is hindered by a limited understanding of the fluid flow that arises during this process. We focus on the extrusion stage of fabrication and discuss a model of the fibre evolution based upon complex-variable techniques. The relative influence of the various physical processes involved is discussed, along with limitations of the model.