Fiber Optics Broadband

How Helium is Used in Fiber Optics

Helium plays a key but less visible role in the manufacturing of optical fiber—specifically during the preform fabrication and fiber drawing processes, which are critical in creating high-performance fiber optics.

Uses of Helium in Fiber Optics Manufacturing:

Cooling during fiber drawing: Optical fibers are drawn from a glass preform at high temperatures (~2,000°C).

Helium is used to rapidly cool the fiber as it’s drawn to maintain optical clarity and prevent microcracks.

Its high thermal conductivity makes it ideal for this cooling process.

Maintaining a clean, inert environment:

Helium serves as a carrier or purge gas to prevent contamination or oxidation during the manufacturing process.

This ensures consistent refractive indices and high transmission quality.

Leak detection:

In systems where air-tightness is critical, helium is used in leak detection tests due to its small atomic size and ability to pass through even tiny leaks.

Current Market Size for Helium in Fiber Optics (2024)

The global helium market is around $6 billion as of 2024.

The fiber optics segment accounts for approximately 6–8% of helium demand.

That equals roughly $360 million to $480 million annually.

Helium demand from this sector is closely tied to telecom infrastructure investments, 5G rollout, data center growth, and internet expansion in emerging markets.

Future Market Size and Forecast (2025–2030)

Growth Drivers:

6G & 7G rollouts

Expansion of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks

Rising demand from cloud services, streaming, and AI data centers

Growth in submarine fiber optic cables

Offsetting Factors:

Helium supply constraints and price volatility

Increased interest in helium recycling and alternative cooling methods

Market Forecast:

Expected CAGR of 5–7% for fiber optics manufacturing through 2030

Helium use is projected to grow at a slightly slower pace (3–5%) due to efficiency gains and recycling

Estimated market size by 2030: $480 million to $650 million.



CONFIDENTIAL: Helium 1882 © 2025 All Rights Reserved

CONFIDENTIAL: Helium 1882 © 2025 All Rights Reserved