Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a multi layer GI POF where each layer comprises essentially one polymer and one or more dopants. Each layer may comprise the same or different polymers although it is preferred that each layer comprise the same homopolymer. Useful dopants include cyclic or acyclic organic compounds of less than about 20 carbons, alkyl metal oxides or rare earth alkyl oxides. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of making the GI POF according to the invention.

Abstract: A crosshead die for a plastic optical fiber fabrication system is provided. The crosshead die includes a body, an insert, mounting flanges on the upstream and downstream end for securing the crosshead die to adjacent equipment or another crosshead dies, an axial port for receiving a mixed molten material that makes up the core, and a radial port for receiving a mixed molten material that makes up the outer layering material to be co-extruded over the core. The die insert includes a material distribution channel system that provides substantially the same linear distance for the mixed molten material to travel prior to the co-extrusion. If multiple die inserts are utilized, the crosshead die is able to co-extrude multiple layers over the core. If the crosshead dies are serially assembled, additional concentric layers of material can be co-extruded atop the layered plastic optical fiber extruded from the upstream crosshead die.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a multi layer GI POF where each layer comprises essentially one polymer and one or more dopants. Each layer may comprise the same or different polymers although it is preferred that each layer comprise the same homopolymer. Useful dopants include cyclic or acyclic organic compounds of less than about 20 carbons, alkyl metal oxides or rare earth alkyl oxides. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of making the GI POF according to the invention.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a multi layer GI POF where each layer comprises essentially one polymer and one or more dopants. Each layer may comprise the same or different polymers although it is preferred that each layer comprise the same homopolymer. Useful dopants include cyclic or acyclic organic compounds of less than about 20 carbons, alkyl metal oxides or rare earth alkyl oxides. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of making the GI POF according to the invention.