Design of double-coated optical fibers to minimize long-term axial-strain-induced microbending losses

Abstract

The design of double-coated optical fibers to minimize long-term axial-strain-induced microbending losses is investigated. The microbending loss is dominated by the compressive radial stress at the interface between the glass fiber and primary coating. To know the long-term axial-strain-induced microbending losses in double-coated optical fibers, the stresses in fibers are analyzed by the viscoelastic theory. To minimize these long-term microbending losses, the thickness and Young's modulus of the secondary coating should be decreased if the strength of coating is satisfied. Meanwhile, the Poisson's ratio of the primary coating should be increased, but the Young's modulus of the primary coating and relaxation time of the secondary coating should be decreased. Alternatively, the radius and relaxation time of the primary coating exist their optimum values. The long-term axial-strain-induced microbending losses in single-coated optical fibers are also discussed.