Sdl Inc.

William C Robinson

Richard A Minns

Hong Po

Bennett H Rockney

Ying Hua Zhang

In a double-clad optical fiber comprising a core having an index of refraction n.sub.1, an inner cladding surrounding the core and having an index of refraction n.sub.2, and a first outer cladding surrounding the inner cladding and having an index of refraction n.sub.3 (wherein n.sub.1 &gt;n.sub.2 &gt;n.sub.3), the softness of the first outer cladding often renders it difficult to perform polishing or other mechanical operations on the end of the fiber. To reduce such difficulties it is advantageous to remove the first outer cladding from a limited end portion of the fiber, replacing it with a second outer cladding having an index of refraction n.sub.4 (wherein n.sub.2 &gt;n.sub.4) and a hardness which is greater than that of the first outer cladding.

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West Concord, MA, United States of America

William C Robinson