Ultimate low-loss electro-optical cable

Abstract

An undersea cable reliably transmits optical control signals and data. At ast one optical fiber is axially disposed in an otherwise solid electrical conductor which transmits power the length of the cable. A concentrically disposed dielectric insulating layer prevents shorting with the surrounding seawater and a load-bearing annulus coaxially contains the other elements to also protect them from environmental abuses. During deployment or towing, the load-bearing annulus shares part of the load with the solid electrical conductor and a coaxially disposed sleeve encloses all of the other elements for preventing a leaching action of seawater and to defocus externally originating, concentrated forces.