Fiber optic structures that allow small bend radii
View Patent ↗A buffered optical fiber includes at least one optical fiber and a buffer layer. In one embodiment, the buffer layer generally surrounds the optical fiber and has a non-round cross-section that includes a plurality of wings that are an integrally formed by the buffer layer. Additionally, the buffered optical fiber may form a portion of a fiber optic cable that allows a relatively small bend radius while maintaining optical performance. Optionally, the optical fiber may be a bend resistant optical fiber for preserving optical performance. Additionally, other fiber optic cables that allow relatively small bend radii are also disclosed.
1. A buffered optical fiber comprising:
at least one optical fiber;
a buffer layers the buffer layer generally surrounding the at least one optical fiber and having a non-round cross-section that includes a plurality of wings that are an integrally formed by the buffer layer; and
a cable jacket disposed about the buffered optical fiber for forming a fiber optic cable, wherein the fiber optic cable allows a bend radius of about 10 millimeters or less.
2. The buffered optical fiber of claim 1 , wherein the at least one optical fiber is a bend resistant optical fiber.
3. The buffered optical fiber of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of wings includes a first wing and a second wing that are disposed about 180 degrees apart.
4. The buffered optical fiber of claim 1 , wherein the buffer layer includes at least one preferential tear portion.
5. The buffered optical fiber of claim 1 , the buffer layer generally surrounding at least two optical fibers.
6. The buffered optical fiber of claim 1 , further including a cable jacket disposed about the buffered optical fiber.
7. The buffered optical fiber of claim 1 , further including a cable jacket disposed about the buffered optical fiber, wherein the cable jacket is formed from a glass reinforced polymer.
8. The buffered optical fiber of claim 1 , further including a cable jacket disposed about the buffered optical fiber, wherein the cable jacket is formed from a glass reinforced polyvinylchloride.
9. A buffered optical fiber comprising:
at least one optical fiber, wherein the at least one optical fiber is a bend resistant optical fiber;
a buffer layer, the buffer layer generally surrounding the at least one optical fiber and having a non-round cross-section that includes a first wing and a second wing; and
a cable jacket disposed about the buffered optical fiber for forming a fiber optic cable, wherein the fiber optic cable allows a bend radius of about 10 millimeters or less while maintaining a suitable level of optical performance.
10. The buffered optical fiber of claim 9 , wherein the first wing and the second wing are disposed about 180 degrees apart.
11. The buffered optical fiber of claim 9 , wherein the buffer layer includes at least one preferential tear portion.
12. The buffered optical fiber of claim 9 , the buffer layer generally surrounding at least two optical fibers.
13. The buffered optical fiber of claim 9 , further including a cable jacket disposed about the buffered optical fiber.
14. The buffered optical fiber of claim 9 , further including a cable jacket disposed about the buffered optical fiber, wherein the cable jacket is formed from a glass reinforced polymer.
15. The buffered optical fiber of claim 9 , further including a cable jacket disposed about the buffered optical fiber for forming a fiber optic cable, wherein the cable jacket is formed from a glass reinforced polyvinylchloride.
16. A fiber optic cable comprising:
at least one optical fiber, wherein the at least one optical fiber is a bend resistant optical fiber;
a buffer layer, the buffer layer generally surrounding the at least one optical fiber; and
a cable jacket, the cable jacket disposed about the buffered optical fiber, wherein the fiber optic cable allows a bend radius of about 10 millimeters or less while maintaining a suitable level of optical performance, wherein the buffer layer has a non-round cross-section that includes a first wing and a second wing and the first wing and the second wing are disposed about 180 degrees apart.
17. The buffered optical fiber of claim 16 , wherein the buffer layer includes at least one preferential tear portion.
18. The buffered optical fiber of claim 16 , the buffer layer generally surrounding at least two optical fibers.
19. The buffered optical fiber of claim 16 , wherein the cable jacket is formed from a glass reinforced polymer.
20. The buffered optical fiber of claim 15 , wherein the cable jacket is formed from a glass reinforced polyvinylchloride.