This research addresses the Outside Vapor Deposition process for the production of optical fiber preforms. The process is a complex combination of elements including the processes of particle formation, growth and deposition. The objective of the research is to determine the particle growth history, the particle composition and the efficiency of deposition. This will be achieved through both experimental studies of the soot formation and deposition processes and analysis of the particle formation, growth and transport. The Outside Vapor Deposition process produces the highest performance fibers. This process has the flexibility to manufacture diverse fibers at the lowest cost. However, the collection efficiency is only about 50 percent. Therefore the understanding of the basic characteristics of the process will contribute to the advancement of this process. It is expected that the results of the investigation will advance this production technique and aid in the optimization of the process.
