Abstract: A random array of holes is created in an optical fiber by gas generated during fiber drawing. The gas forms bubbles which are drawn into long, microscopic holes. The gas is created by a gas generating material such as silicon nitride. Silicon nitride oxidizes to produce nitrogen oxides when heated. The gas generating material can alternatively be silicon carbide or other nitrides or carbides. The random holes can provide cladding for optical confinement when located around a fiber core. The random holes can also be present in the fiber core. The fibers can be made of silica. The present random hole fibers are particularly useful as pressure sensors since they experience a large wavelength dependant increase in optical loss when pressure or force is applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a slack storage tray for managing slack associated with fiber terminations in a distribution cabinet. The storage tray includes a base defining a cable pathway for storing multiple loops of a cable. A hinged cover further defines a cable pathway for managing the cable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an optical switch, which appropriately optically connects input side optical fibers with output side optical fibers. The optical switch comprises an input side array unit, and an output side array unit. The array unit on the input side has an input side fiber array, a mirror array, and a direction adjustment mechanism. The input side fiber array has signal input optical fibers and at least one adjustment optical fiber. The mirror array has tilt variable mirrors to deflect signal light beams from the signal input optical fibers and at least one fixed mirror to reflect an adjustment light beam from the adjustment optical fiber. The direction adjustment mechanism adjusts a relative direction of the mirror array with respect to the input side fiber array. The array unit on the output side has an output side fiber array having signal output optical fibers.