Key Findings
Space-manufactured ZBLAN fibre exhibits significantly higher mechanical strength than terrestrial versions. Specifically, the median ultimate tensile strength increased by 80 per cent for step-index fibres and 25 per cent for single-index fibres. Additionally, space-drawn step-index fibres showed a 39 per cent increase in the Weibull modulus, indicating greater consistency and reliability in material strength.
Technical Details
The experiment utilized an automated fibre-drawing machine developed by Flawless Photonics and researchers from several institutions, including Adelaide University. The system automated glass preform feeding, drawing, diameter monitoring, and collection within the ISS’s mass, power, and volume constraints. Out of the 11.8km produced, 2.1km of uniform-diameter samples were selected for testing.
Researchers compared two structures:
- Single-index fibres: Composed of glass with one refractive index.
- Step-index fibres: Featuring a core and cladding with different refractive indices to confine light.
While step-index fibres showed lower optical attenuation in space, no measurable optical difference was observed in single-index fibres.
Background & Context
ZBLAN is a heavy-metal fluoride glass (zirconium, barium, lanthanum, aluminium, and sodium) targeted for mid-infrared applications due to its potential for lower optical attenuation than silica glass. However, terrestrial manufacturing often suffers from crystallisation during the drawing process, where small crystals form and scatter light. Microgravity is used to mitigate gravity-driven flow and material separation to reduce these defects.
Significance & Outlook
Despite strength gains, orbital manufacturing does not eliminate all losses; impurities and bubbles in preforms still impact performance. For ZBLAN to replace optimized silica fibre, it must prove a practical advantage to justify the costs of orbital production. Future viability depends on scaling automated equipment and establishing efficient return logistics. This research also informs future space infrastructure, such as India’s planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station, with its first module intended for 2028.
Source: https://www.electronicsforu.com/news/space-made-glass-fibre-shows-80-per-cent-higher-strength
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