Matte finishes on optical fibers and other glass articles

Abstract

A mixture of buffered hydrofluoric acid (e.g., HF and NH4 F) and a treating agent (e.g., acetic acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid or formic acid) is used to produce a matte finish on the pure silica cladding of an optical fiber, on a borosilicate glass tube and on a sodium lime glass plate. The matte finish may be used to increase the adhesion of other materials to the glass (e.g., of metal coatings to silica fibers) or to reduce glare.Published versio