Designing next-generation coatings for telecommunication optical fibers

Anna B. Wojcik

doi:10.1117/12.424367

16 April 2001 Designing next-generation coatings for telecommunication optical fibers

Anna B. Wojcik

Proceedings Volume 4215, Optical Fiber and Fiber Component Mechanical Reliability and Testing; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.424367
Event: Information Technologies 2000, 2000, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Polymeric UV curable coatings have been successfully employed over 25 years to protect freshly drawn optical fibers from mechanical damage and to prevent microbending losses. Although present dual acrylate coatings provide satisfactory protection, they are water permeable and do not effectively protect the fiber surface from water corrosion. Rapidly growing market calls for next generation protective materials that would provide with enhanced fiber reliability even in hot, humid and other harsh environments. The general concept of such “hermetic” polymeric coatings design is presented. The key aspects of the design include the use of interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) and organic-inorganic silica based hybrids derived by sol-gel process. Such coatings may offer superior moisture barriers and surface passivation while remaining otherwise equivalent to commercial acrylates from a processing perspective. Simultaneously, these coatings may offer other potential advantages such as significant thickness reduction, higher temperature performance and lower thermal expansion coefficients.

Citation Download Citation

Anna B. Wojcik "Designing next-generation coatings for telecommunication optical fibers", Proc. SPIE 4215, Optical Fiber and Fiber Component Mechanical Reliability and Testing, (16 April 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.424367

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