Abstract: A method of making an optical waveguide fiber with a fatigue resistant TiO.sub.2 -SiO.sub.2 outer cladding, and a substantially glass blank for drawing into such fiber, wherein a glass soot TiO.sub.2 -SiO.sub.2 outermost layer, with an initial TiO.sub.2 concentration greater than 10.5 wt. %, is deposited on a preform, and the preform is exposed to an atmosphere of chlorine and oxygen at a high temperature, and the resulting TiO.sub.2 concentration in the outermost layer of the TiO.sub.2 -SiO.sub.2 outer cladding of the substantially glass blank is less than the initial TiO.sub.2 concentration. In the glass blank form, the outermost layer includes a substantial volume percentage of crystalline phases and in the fiber form, the outermost layer includes inhomogeneities.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing the water content of optical waveguide fibers produced from blanks having a centerline aperture and having compositions which prevent cooling of the blank to room temperature between consolidation and drawing. In accordance with certain aspects of the invention, the water content is reduced by storing the blanks at as low a temperature as possible, preferably below about 550.degree. C. In accordance with other aspects, the water content is reduced by filling the apertures of the blanks with an inert atmosphere during storage.