Abstract: An optical fiber and methods of processing and manufacturing an optical fiber comprising a core, a cladding and a coating covering a segment of the cladding proximate to an end of the optical fiber are presented where patterned apertures are provided in the coating such that a portion of light propagating in the cladding escapes through the patterned apertures of the coating. The patterned apertures allow non-confined light to escape from the cladding in the coating region to provide reduced absorption of the non-confined light by the coating.