Abstract: A laser ablation process is described for removing the polymeric buffer layer from glass optical fibers. The ablation takes place within a flow of substantially non-oxidizing gas. In preferred embodiments, the fiber cable is flushed with dry nitrogen and irradiated by a sequence of laser pulses 200-800 .mu.s in width. A currently preferred laser is a carbon-dioxide laser emitting in the infrared portion of the spectrum. The irradiating wavelength is preferably chosen to be 90% absorbed at a depth of 0.5 to 1.0 times the thickness of the buffer layer. The polymeric buffer layer can be removed without previously treating the optical fiber with a chemical softening agent, and without causing any significant reduction in the tensile strength of the fiber.