Corning Incorporated
REDUCED DIAMETER MULTI MODE OPTICAL FIBERS WITH HIGH MECHANICAL RELIABILITY

Abstract:

A disclosed multimode optical fiber comprises a core and a cladding surrounding the core. The core has an outer radius r.sub.1 in between 20 .mu.m and 30 .mu.m. The cladding includes a first outer cladding region having an outer radius r.sub.4a and a second outer cladding region having an outer radius r.sub.4b less than or equal to 45 .mu.m. The second outer cladding region comprises silica-based glass doped with titania. The optical fiber further includes a primary coating with an outer radius r.sub.5 less than or equal to 80 .mu.m, and a thickness (r.sub.5-r.sub.4) less than or equal to 30 .mu.m. The optical fiber further includes a secondary coating with an outer radius r.sub.6 less than or equal to 100 .mu.m. The secondary coating has a thickness (r.sub.6-r.sub.5) less than or equal to 30 .mu.m, and a normalized puncture load greater than 3.6.times.10.sup.-3 g/micron.sup.2.