Blank-based multi-core optical fiber and method of forming

An optical fiber manufacturing method includes installing a glass sleeve in a selective etching apparatus. The sleeve includes one or more axial through holes, and the etching apparatus includes a first end cap having a central aperture disposed therethrough, the first end cap attached to a first surface of the sleeve. The method further includes exposing the sleeve to an acid solution such that a first portion of the first surface is exposed to the acid solution and a second portion of the first surface is not exposed to the acid solution. The sleeve has a first portion adjacent the central aperture when the sleeve is mounted in a selective etching apparatus, and a second portion covered by a first end cap when the sleeve is mounted in the selective etching apparatus. 光纤制造方法，方法包括将玻璃套筒安装在选择性蚀刻设备中。套筒包括一个或多个轴向通孔，以及蚀刻设备包括具有穿过其设置的中心孔口的第一端盖，第一端盖附接至套筒的第一表面。方法还包括将套筒暴露于酸溶液从而第一表面的第一部分暴露于酸溶液而第一表面的第二部分没有暴露于酸溶液。当套筒安装在选择性蚀刻设备中的时候，所述第一部分与中心孔口相邻，以及当套筒安装在选择性蚀刻设备中的时候，所述第二部分被第一端盖覆盖。