Abstract: An optical tube assembly and methods of manufacturing the same include a tube, at least one optical waveguide, and a dry insert. In one embodiment, the dry insert generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide and forms a core that is disposed within the tube. In one embodiment, the dry insert is compressed at least about 10 percent for coupling the at least optical waveguide to the interior surface of the tube.

Abstract: Fiber optic cables, and methods of manufacturing the same, include a plurality of carriers having at least one optical fiber therein. In one embodiment, the carriers are arranged in two layers within the cable and are generally disposed about a center area of the cable. Each layer has a respective helix-plus-EFL value. A difference between the respective helix-plus-EFL values of the layers defines a differential range being, preferably, about 1% or less. Additionally, the fiber optic cables can be used in fiber optic cable systems such as dispersion managed cable systems (DMCS).

Abstract: Fiber optic cables, and methods of manufacturing the same, include a plurality of carriers having at least one optical fiber therein. In one embodiment, the carriers are arranged in two layers within the cable and are generally disposed about a center area of the cable. Each layer has a respective helix-plus-EFL value. A difference between the respective helix-plus-EFL values of the layers defines a differential range being, preferably, about 1% or less. Additionally, the fiber optic cables can be used in fiber optic cable systems such as dispersion managed cable systems (DMCS).

Abstract: A fiber optic cable having optical fibers disposed in buffer tubes, the buffer tubes defining at least two layers generally stranded about a center area of the cable. The buffer tube layers define a relatively inner layer of buffer tubes being closer to the center area, and an outer layer of buffer tubes being relatively further from the center area. The inner and outer buffer tube layers each having a respective helix value, the respective helix values being substantially the same. Alternatively, the respective helix values can be substantially non-equal. In addition, fiber optic cable systems including balanced helix factors have optical connections between layers of buffer tubes of the respective cables.

Abstract: The production of a brominated, polyarylene - 1, 3, 4- oxadiazole solution in oleum involves adding bromine to a precursor solution of the polymer, wherein the polymer is capable of further polymerization and the solution has a viscosity below a predetermined minimum value, and then further polymerizing the brominated polymer to an extent which effects an increase in the viscosity to at least the predetermined minimum value.