Abstract: A removably coated optical fibre (10) comprises an optionally clad optical fibre core (12) and a removable coating. The coating is formed from an elongate tape (14) having two edges (16, 18). The tape (14) is affixed adjacent the edges along a substantial part of the length of the tape (14) to form a releasable seam (20). Access to the fibre core (12) is obtainable by peeling apart the seam (20). Alternatively, distinct upper and lower tapes (24, 26) may be used to form the removable coating.

Abstract: A partially coated optical fiber for laser transmission, is described, wherein the partially coated optical fiber comprises an optical fiber which comprises an optionally clad fiber core and an external coating. The external coating and the fiber core are longitudinally substantially coextensive but circumferentially non-coextensive whereby the coating defines a grating window extending longitudinally for at least the major part of the length of the fiber. The window is optionally interrupted by one or more coating continuities which partition said window. The coating has a thickness such that a plane bridging the circumferential displacement of the grating window is extra-peripheral of the optical fiber.