Abstract: An optical fiber product comprises an optical fiber through which optical signals can be transmitted. A primary coating comprising a foam material surrounds the optical fiber. A secondary coating surrounds the primary coating. At least one of the primary coating and the secondary coating protect the optical fiber and resists microbending forces. A method of manufacture is also provided.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon capable of being divided into two or more robust sub-units along predetermined dividing lines has a plurality of optical fibers in a substantially flat array which have a first, low, matrix-to-fiber coating, which may be a coloring ink, adhesion for facilitating mid-array or mid-span fibers access. The two fibers on either side of each of the dividing lines and adjacent thereto and to each other, have an enhanced or high matrix-to-fiber coating adhesion whereby the sub-units created by the division are sufficiently robust to retain the fibers within the matrix.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of optical fibers are held in an array has a matrix material for bonding to the fibers to form the ribbon. The matrix material has certain characteristics which serve to enhance fiber access, among which are an elastic modulus from 600 to 1200 MPa at room temperature, from 100 to 280 MPa at 100.degree. C., and from 15 to 45 MPa at temperatures greater than 170.degree. C. The matrix material swells in ethanol more than 15% by volume within 20 minutes, and is virtually immune to the action of cleaning solvents. The matrix material has a surface tension of 20-35 mJ/m.sup.2 as do the color coding inks which identify the fibers.

Abstract: A method for preparing coated optical fibers wherein an outer coating is a colored ink coating, and an inner coating is a protective coating, which removes the ink coating while minimizing damage to the protective coating. The method includes uimersing the fiber in a dilute acid bath at a predetermined length of time, removing the fiber from the bath and neutralizing the acid thereon, wiping the remnant ink coating off, and removing the protective coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical detection system for detecting surface qualities on an optical fiber. The system comprises a light source for projecting a beam of light onto the outer surface of an optical fiber. An optical detector positioned adjacent the optical fiber receives light reflected from the outer surface of the optical fiber and generates an electrical output signal which is delivered to a signal processing device. The signal processing device analyzes the electrical output signal to determine whether one or more surface qualities exist on the outer surface of the optical fiber. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical detection system is used to detect surface qualities that include ink skips, i.e., locations on the outer surface of the optical fiber that do not contain any ink.