Low-temperature transmission loss in loose tube fiber optic cables

Philip B. Grimado; Osman S. Gebizlioglu; M. J. Zammit; Gabor D. Kiss

doi:10.1117/12.187431

28 September 1994 Low-temperature transmission loss in loose tube fiber optic cables

Philip B. Grimado, Osman S. Gebizlioglu, M. J. Zammit, Gabor D. Kiss

Proceedings Volume 2290, Fiber Optic Materials and Components; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.187431
Event: SPIE's 1994 International Symposium on Optics, Imaging, and Instrumentation, 1994, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Large optical losses in singlemode fibers have been reported in loose tube fiber optic cables exposed to extremely low temperatures (-20 degree(s)C to -40 degree(s)C). These losses have occurred predominantly at 1550 nm (although some transmission systems at 1310 nm have also been affected) in aerial cables and were confined to the cable section adjacent to a splice closure. Optical transmission measurements on commercial fiber optic cables that were subjected to temperature cycling in an environmental chamber indicated that thermal contraction of buffer tubes at low temperature was the major contributor to fiber bending-induced loss. While the buffer tube thermal shrinkage occurs, optical fibers contained in the tube undergo nearly zero contraction. Consequently, the fibers buckle against the buffer tube inner wall, causing bending-induced losses. Cables with an initially low fiber excess length-to-buffer tube inner diameter ratio, and strong buffer tube-to-central member coupling exhibit minimal loss. It has been demonstrated in the laboratory that the low-temperature optical loss can be suppressed by effective coupling of the cable sheath to the central member.

Citation Download Citation

Philip B. Grimado, Osman S. Gebizlioglu, M. J. Zammit, and Gabor D. Kiss "Low-temperature transmission loss in loose tube fiber optic cables", Proc. SPIE 2290, Fiber Optic Materials and Components, (28 September 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.187431

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available