Abstract: A method of repairing a slope-matched cable system that leaves the net chromatic dispersion of the system nominally unchanged comprises removing a portion of the slope-matched cable system that is faulted, either the cable or a repeater, and constructing a replacement cable portion from two N-P cable lengths having negative dispersion fibers and positive dispersion fibers and a P cable length having positive dispersion fibers. The N-P cable lengths are coupled on each side of the P cable length and the replacement cable portion is connected to the slope-matched cable where the faulted cable was removed. The method also accounts for the extra cable that necessarily has to be added during the repair and for the replacement of a faulted repeater.

Abstract: A method of repairing a slope-matched cable system that leaves the net chromatic dispersion of the system nominally unchanged comprises removing a portion of the slope-matched cable system that is faulted, either the cable or a repeater, and constructing a replacement cable portion from two N-P cable lengths having negative dispersion fibers and positive dispersion fibers and a P cable length having positive dispersion fibers. The N-P cable lengths are coupled on each side of the P cable length and the replacement cable portion is connected to the slope-matched cable where the faulted cable was removed. The method also accounts for the extra cable that necessarily has to be added during the repair and for the replacement of a faulted repeater.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable is provided for undersea applications that include a hollow buffers tube with at least one optical fiber disposed therein. The buffer tube is formed from a plastic material. A water-blockable gel is located in the buffer tube and a series of strength members are configured in a close-packed arrangement around the buffer tube. A metal conductor surrounds the series of strength members and a plastic jacket encapsulating the metal conductor.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an optical attenuator includes the following steps. Measuring the magnitude of optical loss imposed on an optical signal transmitted through first and second abutted optical fibers. Aligning the abutted ends of the first and second optical fibers for minimum distributed optical signal loss through both optical fibers, as measured at the far end of the second optical fiber. Heating the abutted ends of the first and second optical fibers into a plastic state. Physically distorting the optical fiber ends until the measured optical signal loss increases by a desired additional lumped optical loss value. Cooling the abutted ends of the first and second optical fibers to form a fusion splice imposing the desired additional lumped optical loss value between the ends of the first and second optical fibers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for fabricating an undersea communications cable core containing optical fibers. The method includes heating a central strength member and extruding a first layer of thermoplastic elastomer onto the heated central strength member. Paying out the optical fibers from a plurality of bobbins. Helically laying the optical fibers onto the first layer of thermoplastic elastomer with a planetary motion. The optical fibers passing entirely enclosed through a separate part of a whipping prevention enclosure from the bobbins to a rotating closing die. Passing the central strength member, coated with the first layer of thermoplastic elastomer and helically wrapped with the optical fibers, through the closing die, which rotates with the rotation of the helix, applying to the optical fibers forces directed radially into the core but without applying to the optical fibers forces directed tangentially to the surface of the first layer of thermoplastic material.

Abstract: There is disclosed an undersea communications cable containing optical fibers. The cable is fabricated so that fiber optical loss characteristics vary only slightly with changes in tensile strain in the cable.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for fabricating an undersea communications cable containing optical fibers. The cable is fabricated so that fiber optical loss characteristics vary only slightly with changes in strain in the cable. During fabrication an adhesive bonds the cable core containing the optical fibers to a layer of steel wire for preventing creep therebetween.