Russian Scientists Make Fiber-Optic Glass Six Times Faster
Researchers at Perm Polytechnic University have developed a breakthrough technology that accelerates quartz glass production sixfold, cutting costs and boosting Russia’s telecom independence.
Scientists from Perm Polytechnic University, working with the Perm Scientific Instrument-Making Company, have created an innovative method that speeds up production of ultra-pure quartz glass — the key material for fiber-optic cables powering the internet, television, and mobile communications. The breakthrough dramatically reduces both energy use and production costs for this strategically critical material, reinforcing Russia’s technological sovereignty and opening export potential.
The technology focuses on optimizing thermal processing, the most energy-intensive stage of glassmaking. Previously, heating the material above 1,000°C took more than 60 hours. Perm researchers discovered how to drastically reduce this time by adjusting the material’s composition early in production. By fine-tuning the proportions of key components, minimizing ammonia use, and adding ethyl alcohol, they produced a gel with a more uniform structure, free of defects and cracks. The method reduces energy consumption by roughly 80%, making quartz glass manufacturing significantly cheaper.
By increasing production speed sixfold, the innovation will help meet growing demand for fiber optics in Russia. More affordable and efficient glass production will accelerate the expansion of high-speed internet and telecom infrastructure nationwide. The technology also holds promise for microelectronics, aerospace, laser technology, and navigation systems.
