Abstract: A process for correcting defects in a primary coating on a glass optical fiber involves providing an optical fiber configured for propagation of an optical signal, coating the optical fiber with a composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and at least one acrylate monomer, curing the composition to form a relatively soft primary coating covering an outer surface of the optical fiber, the primary coating being a thermoplastic product of the polyurethane and the at least one acrylate monomer, coating the optical fiber with at least one relatively harder secondary coating layer disposed over the primary coating, heating the coated fiber to a temperature above the melting temperature of the thermoplastic product to cause the primary coating to flow and correct defects, and cooling the coated fiber to a temperature below the melting temperature of the thermoplastic product to provide a substantially defect free primary coating.

Abstract: A material is disclosed having improved flame retardant properties and is particularly applicable as a jacket for a fiber optic cable. The material is comprised of a polymeric base compounded with a vanadium phosphate glass composition. The polymeric base may be a flame retardant polyethylene and the vanadium phosphate glass composition contains vanadium oxide, phosphorus oxide and antimony oxide. The material achieves a V-0 rating when tested per Underwriters Laboratory test UL-94 and has a heat release rate value consistent with a self extinguishing material when combusted.

Abstract: A process for correcting defects in a primary coating on a glass optical fiber involves providing an optical fiber configured for propagation of an optical signal, coating the optical fiber with a composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and at least one acrylate monomer, curing the composition to form a relatively soft primary coating covering an outer surface of the optical fiber, the primary coating being a thermoplastic product of the polyurethane and the at least one acrylate monomer, coating the optical fiber with at least one relatively harder secondary coating layer disposed over the primary coating, heating the coated fiber to a temperature above the melting temperature of the thermoplastic product to cause the primary coating to flow and correct defects, and cooling the coated fiber to a temperature below the melting temperature of the thermoplastic product to provide a substantially defect free primary coating.

Abstract: A material is disclosed having improved flame retardant properties and is particularly applicable as a jacket for a fiber optic cable. The material is comprised of a polymeric base compounded with a vanadium phosphate glass composition. The polymeric base may be a flame retardant polyethylene and the vanadium phosphate glass composition contains vanadium oxide, phosphorus oxide and antimony oxide. The material achieves a V-0 rating when tested per Underwriters Laboratory test UL-94 and has a heat release rate value consistent with a self extinguishing material when combusted.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical fiber coating systems and coated optical fibers. According to one embodiment of the invention, a coated optical fiber includes an optical fiber having a core and a cladding; and a primary coating encapsulating the optical fiber, the primary coating having a Young's modulus of about 5 MPa or less, the primary coating being the cured reaction product of a primary curable composition having a gel time less than about 1.4 seconds at a UV intensity of 3.4 mW/cm2.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical fiber coating systems and coated optical fibers. According to one embodiment of the invention, a coated optical fiber includes an optical fiber having a core and a cladding; and a primary coating encapsulating the optical fiber, the primary coating having a Young's modulus of about 5 MPa or less, the primary coating being the cured reaction product of a primary curable composition having a gel time less than about 1.4 seconds at a UV intensity of 3.4 mW/cm2.

Abstract: An optical fiber including: a fiber including at least a core; a primary coating substantially encapsulating the fiber, the primary coating being the cured product of a first polymerizable composition including a first photoinitiator which absorbs light within a range of the UV spectrum; and a secondary coating substantially encapsulating the primary coating on the fiber, the secondary coating being the cured product of a second polymerizable composition including a second photoinitiator which also absorbs light within the range of the UV spectrum, wherein an average integrated intensity for the second photoinitiator is 95% or less of the average integrated intensity for the primary photoinitiator over at least a portion of the range of the UV spectrum. Also disclosed are fiber optic ribbons including the optical fibers, methods of making the optical fibers, and methods of increasing the degree of cure for a primary coating on an optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical fiber including: a fiber including at least a core; a primary coating substantially encapsulating the fiber, the primary coating being the cured product of a first polymerizable composition including a first photoinitiator which absorbs light within a range of the UV spectrum; and a secondary coating substantially encapsulating the primary coating on the fiber, the secondary coating being the cured product of a second polymerizable composition including a second photoinitiator which also absorbs light within the range of the UV spectrum, wherein an average integrated intensity for the second photoinitiator is 95% or less of the average integrated intensity for the primary photoinitiator over at least a portion of the range of the UV spectrum. Also disclosed are fiber optic ribbons including the optical fibers, methods of making the optical fibers, and methods of increasing the degree of cure for a primary coating on an optical fiber.