Abstract: An optical fiber having a coating that includes a photoreactive marking compound is described. The photoreactive marking compound has two states that differ in the intensity and/or wavelength of fluorescence. Exposure of the photoreactive marking compound to electromagnetic radiation induces a transformation of the photoreactive marking compound from one state to the other state. The difference in fluorescence between the two states provides a detectable contrast that can be used to mark the optical fiber. A pattern of marks can be customized to different optical fibers to provide unambiguous identification of individual fibers. The coating may also include a pigment, where either or both of the pigment and photoreactive marking compound may function as a marker for identifying the optical fiber. The method extends generally to marking of films, coatings, and articles made of polymers or plastics.

Abstract: A method for producing an optical fiber is provided. The method includes the steps of drawing an optical fiber from a heated glass source in a furnace and introducing index perturbations to the optical fiber via a plurality of perturbation sources arranged at a plurality of different azimuthal locations. The index perturbations are introduced synchronously at different locations along the axial length of the fiber by the plurality of perturbation sources in a generally helical pattern on the outside surface of the fiber in one embodiment. According to another embodiment, the index perturbations are introduced by the plurality of perturbation sources at different frequencies.

Abstract: A method for producing an optical fiber is provided. The method includes the steps of drawing an optical fiber from a heated glass source in a furnace and introducing index perturbations to the optical fiber via a plurality of perturbation sources arranged at a plurality of different azimuthal locations. The index perturbations are introduced synchronously at different locations along the axial length of the fiber by the plurality of perturbation sources in a generally helical pattern on the outside surface of the fiber in one embodiment. According to another embodiment, the index perturbations are introduced by the plurality of perturbation sources at different frequencies.