Russian Scientists Develop Faster Way to Produce Quartz Glass for Fiber-Optic Cables
Researchers in Perm have discovered a method to make quartz glass—the core material for fiber-optic internet cables—six times faster while cutting energy use by 80 percent.
Scientists from Perm Polytechnic University, working together with the Perm Scientific Instrument-Building Company, have developed a technique that accelerates the production of quartz glass by a factor of six. The innovation, described by the research portal 'Scientific Russia,' could pave the way for stronger, more efficient fiber-optic cables.
Quartz glass is a critical material used in fiber-optic communication lines that power the internet and television. However, its production is both time- and energy-intensive. In their experiments, researchers discovered how to give the base gel the required properties early in the preparation process. By optimizing the concentration of ammonia and other components, they achieved the ideal structure for the glass.
The new process cuts thermal treatment time by sixfold, reduces energy consumption by roughly 80 percent, and increases efficiency across industries that rely heavily on quartz glass—such as electronics, microelectronics, telecommunications, optics, laser systems, and modern navigation technologies.
