A Novel Method for Evaluating Micro-Bending Sensitivity to Ensure Applicability to High-Density Optical Fiber Cable

A novel 3-layer wrapping method is proposed for evaluating a micro-bending sensitivity of an optical fiber. Proposed method enables to predict applicability to high-density optical fiber cable independent with the fiber geometry and/or coating property.

I. Introduction

High-density optical fiber cables are widely used because it enables us to maximize install-fiber density [1]. Space division multiplexing (SDM) fibers, including multi core fiber (MCF), is a promising candidate for improving transmission capacity per single cladding [2], [3]. Thus, high-density optical fiber cable accommodating SDM fiber can improve drastically the spatial utilization efficiency [4]. Install-fiber density of high-density cable mainly depends on micro bending loss sensitivity [5]. Generally, micro bending loss sensitivity is evaluated by method described in [6]. However, micro bending loss evaluated by the method varies by the surface roughness and wrapping tension. Moreover, micro bending loss sensitivity varies by cladding diameter, coating thickness, and coating materials. Thus, it is difficult to estimate applicable install-fiber-density from micro bending loss sensitivity obtained with the traditional method.