Vol. 28, Issue 4, pp. 267-292

Abstract

The paper presents recent developments in optical fiber technology at the Research Production Department of Fiber Optics (in short Fiber Optics Department – FOD). The work on optical fibers was launched by the Białystok Glass Works (BGW), now Biaglass Co., in 1978. A special Fiber Optics Department was created there a few years later. This fact reflected at that time the dynamically developing research and manufacturing of soft-glass optical fibers, fiber components, sub-assemblies, devices, cables, bundles, illuminators, image-guides, sensors, and complete fiberoptic systems for research, biomedical, environmental, industrial and military applications. This year marks the 20th anniversary of research and manufacturing of optical fibers, components and photonic systems at BGW and Biaglass Co. The present paper is the first of the whole series to be published in Optica Applicata and the Proceedings of SPIE, which will focus on activities of a group of people who have been engaged in the aforementioned enterprises from the very beginning. The scope of interest will be limited to technology of optical fibers, theoretical investigations and construction of apparatus with the use of such optical fibers.