Alcatel

Alcatel Na, Inc.,

Roger Charlton

Jean-Florent Campion

James Hoge Bowen

Philippe Dupont

Jos&eacute; G Piffaretti

Leslie B Hodges

Isabelle DeCaux

Terry Voots

Daniel G Fletcher

Charles A Giebner

A method for reducing the hydrogen aging loss of silica optical fibers by irreversible reaction of the peroxide defects with deuterium is described. This method comprises the step of contacting the optical fiber with deuterium by exposure to a gas mixture containing deuterium at a temperature compatible with the fiber without exposing the fiber to any further activation, and subsequently the step of degassing the fiber in a neutral atmosphere. The invention relates further to a process of producing optical fibers with low hydrogen aging loss wherein an optical fiber is treated using the method for reducing the hydrogen aging loss. Finally, the invention relates to optical fibers with low hydrogen aging loss obtainable by this process and telecommunication cables produced using these optical fibers. Using the new method, an activation step using intense light and/or elevated temperature is not necessary to achieve the reaction of peroxide defects in silica with deuterium. The process according to the invention allows reaction at temperatures such as the ambient temperature without any further activation.

Method for reducing the hydrogen sensitivity of optical fibers at 1380nm-1410 nm

A method and apparatus for controlling the shape and position of a deformable object are described. At least a portion of an object is heated to a temperature sufficient to render the heated portion deformable by a force. An image profile of the heated portion of the object is obtained. A controller compares the image profile to a reference profile and produces an error image signal. Based on the error image signal, an instruction signal is generated. A force applicator responsive to the instruction signal applies a radial force to at least one distinct predetermined location on the heated portion of the object in response to the instruction signal to cause the heated portion of the object to conform to the reference profile. The invention is particularly useful in controlling the shape of an optical fiber preform.

Method and apparatus for controlling the shape and position of a deformable object

A double-clad single mode optical fiber with a depressed inner cladding exhibits increased resistance to attenuation increases resulting from small radius bends and lower attenuation sensitivity to temperature changes when the mode field diameter is less than 7 um and the ratio of the radius of the inner cladding to the radius of the core is at least 6.5 to one.

Single mode bend insensitive fiber for use in fiber optic guidance

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Newton, NC, United States of America

Roger Charlton