Abstract: In one aspect, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system includes a transmitter to output a main refocusing pulse sequence and at least one subsequent refocusing pulse sequence into a zone of interest, a randomizing pulse module to output a randomizing pulse into the zone of interest to remove a net detected residual magnetization, and a receiver to output an NMR data set from the zone of interest. In another aspect, a method of generating a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data set includes outputting a main refocusing pulse sequence and at least one subsequent refocusing pulse sequence into a zone of interest, outputting a randomizing pulse from a randomizing pulse module into the zone of interest to remove a net detected residual magnetization, and sensing the NMR data set from the zone of interest.

Abstract: The present application discloses a detector module, which is arranged on a detector arm, comprising one or a plurality of detector units arranged in a scattered configuration, wherein each of the detector units in the detector module is installed aiming at a beam center of a ray source, thus improving imaging quality and reducing the size of a detector frame drastically.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards finding, locating, and confirming threat items and substances. The inspection system is designed to detect objects that are made from, but not limited to, special nuclear materials (“SNM”) and/or high atomic number materials. The system employs advanced image processing techniques to analyze images of an object under inspection (“OUI”), which includes, but is not limited to baggage, parcels, vehicles and cargo, and fluorescence detection.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a neutron generator including an ion source that generates ions; a target that outputs neutrons when the ions impact the target; one or more power supplies that supply electrical power to the ion source and the target; and a control system. The control system determines one or more rules that describe relationships between operational parameters, useful life, reliability, neutron output, environment, and constraints of the neutron generators; determines one or more operational parameter setpoints based at least in part on the one or more rules; and instructs the one or more power supplies to adjust electrical power supplied to the ion source, the target, or both based at least in part on the one or more operational parameter setpoints.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an energetic material on a surface. Electromagnetic radiation is generated. A beam of the electromagnetic radiation is transmitted from a handheld device towards the surface. Reflected electromagnetic radiation from the beam reflecting off of the surface is detected at the handheld device to generate test data. The test data is analyzed at a base unit that is separate from the handheld device to determine whether the energetic material is present on the surface.

Abstract: A system for providing weather conditions includes a server in communication with a weather data provision service. The server includes a middleware application operable to process weather data requests. The system also includes a gps module, and at least one component control system, operable to adjust at least one parameter associated with at least one vehicle component. Finally, the illustrative system includes a vehicle computing system, in communication with the GPS module, the at least one component control system, and the server. In response to a request for data from the component control system, the vehicle computing system passes GPS data to the server, including the request for data, and the vehicle computing system responsively receives the requested data from the server. The vehicle computing system relays the received data to the component control system that requested the data.

Abstract: A method for forming an optical window. In one example, the method includes depositing a layer of eutectic bonding material onto a first surface of a first section of window material, positioning a second surface of a second section of window material onto the layer of eutectic bonding material such that the first surface is disposed opposite the second surface, and heating the eutectic bonding material to a temperature above a eutectic temperature of the eutectic bonding material and below a melting temperature of the window material for a predetermined length of time to form an optical window. The window material of the first section and the second section may be transparent to infrared radiation and comprise aluminum.

Abstract: Compositions for increasing the thermal stability of optical absorbers are provided as well as methods of making and using the resulting compositions. The compositions or complexes of the present teachings generally include an optical absorber bound to a metal or a metal oxide through one or more linkers, which contain a metal binding moiety.

Abstract: A mold for manufacturing an optical element is provided with a base material, and a recessing and protruding layer formed on a surface of the base material. The recessing and protruding structure of the recessing and protruding layer having a plurality of areas continuously arranged in a positional relationship in which the central point of seven adjacent protrusions is an intersection point of diagonal lines of six vertices of a regular hexagon, and the areas, shapes, and crystal orientations of the plurality of areas are random.

Abstract: A polarizing plate, a liquid crystal display device having the polarizing plate and a method of fabricating the polarizing plate are characterized by forming an anti-glare/reflection layer, which is formed into a single layer through one coating process using a phase separation resulting from a weight difference between polymer beads and air bubbles. This may result in ensuring cost competitiveness.

Abstract: An optical member includes a base material and an antireflective layer on the base material wherein the antireflective layer includes a plurality of fine protrusions on a surface thereof and a support layer for supporting the protrusions, and the support layer contains boron in an amount of 7×1019 atoms/cm3 or more and 2.5×1020 atoms/cm3 or less.

Abstract: An MgF2 optical thin film is formed on an optical surface of a base material. The MgF2 optical thin film includes MgF2 particles and an amorphous silicon oxide-based binder which exists on the surfaces of the MgF2 particles and between the MgF2 particles. Owing to this amorphous silicon oxide-based binder, the optical thin film can have high mechanical strength and high adhesion to the base material, while having excellent environment resistance and a lower refractive index.

Abstract: A sheet comprising: (1) a core member comprising one or more layers and having a first major surface and (2) a slip control layer disposed on at least a portion of the first major surface, wherein the slip control layer comprises: (i) a footing layer disposed on at least a portion of the first major surface of the core member, (ii) a binder layer disposed on the footing layer, and (iii) an array of particles disposed in the binder layer and footing layer and protruding therefrom, wherein the average diameter of the particles is greater than the combined thickness of the foot layer and binder layer.

Abstract: A stacked-lens assembly includes a lower substrate and an upper substrate. The lower substrate includes a lower-substrate top surface having thereon a lower element and an inner spacer, the inner spacer at least partially surrounding the lower element. The upper substrate includes an upper-substrate bottom surface opposite the lower-substrate top surface and having thereon an upper element and an outer spacer, the outer spacer (i) being attached to the inner spacer and (ii) at least partially surrounding the upper element. In any cross-section of the stacked-lens assembly parallel to the upper substrate and including both the inner spacer and the outer spacer, the entirety of the inner spacer is within a perimeter of the outer spacer.

Abstract: An object of the present application is to thin a thick lens used in an automobile headlamp optical system and a projector lighting optical system while maintaining the optical properties of the lens. A diffractive lens includes, on at least one surface, an optical surface with a plurality of areas defined by a plurality of steps. A blaze wavelength of the diffractive lens is within a wavelength spectral range of a light source used. An optical path difference between adjacent areas at the blaze wavelength is larger than a coherence length of the light source. The diffractive lens substantially acts as a Fresnel lens at a wavelength other than the blaze wavelength.

Abstract: By a composition for color filter containing a near-infrared transmitting black coloring agent, a composition for color filter capable of forming an infrared transmission filter which is able to transmit an infrared ray (particularly, a near infrared ray) in the state of low noise derived from the visible light component even when it has a very thin thickness (for example, thickness of 0.5 ?m), and an infrared transmission filter and a production method of an infrared transmission filter using the same, and an infrared sensor can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a thin polarizer, including: forming a film laminate by attaching a polyvinyl alcohol-based film to at least one surface of a polymer film by using attraction force or an adhesive; swelling the film laminate so that a degree of swelling of the polyvinyl alcohol-based film is 0.36 to 0.44; dyeing at least one of iodine and a dichromatic dye on the film laminate; and stretching the film laminate.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel which displays an image with light, a backlight unit which generates and provides the light to the display panel, and a polarizer which is coupled to the display panel and includes a polarizing film to polarize the light. The polarizing film includes a base film defining a first optical surface thereof from which first grooves are defined recessed and a second optical surface thereof which opposes the first optical surface and from which second grooves are defined recessed; a polarizing layer including the first grooves recessed from the first optical surface; and a light blocking layer including the second grooves recessed from the second optical surface.

Abstract: The wire grid polarizer plate includes a light permeable substrate and a conductive pattern layer arranged on one surface of the light permeable substrate, the conductive pattern layer includes window regions and at least one reflective region arranged in a rectangular region which is circumscribed to the window regions, the window regions have target patterns including conductive simple closed curves surrounding in piles, spaced apart from each other at an interval of a period which is shorter than a wavelength of incident light, transmit first polarized light of the incident light and reflect second polarized light which is perpendicular to the first polarized light and the reflective regions reflect both of the first polarized light and the second polarized light.

Abstract: There are provided a light emitting unit that enhances the uniformity of in-plane colors, as well as a display and a lighting apparatus that include such a light emitting unit thereon. The light emitting unit includes: a plurality of light emitting sections each having a light source and a wavelength conversion member, the wavelength conversion member converting a wavelength of light emitted from the light source; an optical component having a light incident surface in opposition to the plurality of light emitting sections; and a color unevenness prevention structure suppressing direct entering of light from the light source into the optical component.

Abstract: A backlight unit includes LEDs, a light guide plate, a prism sheet, exiting light reflecting portions, prisms, concave lenticular lens lenses, and flat portions. The concave lenticular lenses are configured such that an occupancy rate of concave cylindrical lenses with respect to the second direction is higher in an area closer to a light entering surface with respect to the first direction and the occupancy rate is lower in an area farther from the light entering surface. The flat portions are formed adjacent to the concave cylindrical lenses with respect to the second direction such that an occupancy rate of flat portions with respect to the second direction is lower in an area closer to a light entering surface with respect to the first direction and the occupancy rate of the flat portions with respect to the second direction is higher in an area farther from the light entering surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a backlight system and a display device. In the backlight system, corresponding at least one beam expanding plate is arranged at the emergent side of a backlight module, and include a horizontal beam expanding plate and/or a vertical beam expanding plate, wherein each beam expanding plate includes an upper beam expanding sub-plate and a lower beam expanding sub-plate having the same periodic curved surface structures, the upper beam expanding sub-plate and the lower beam expanding sub-plate are arranged in parallel in such a manner that periodic curved surface structures are back-to-back against each other, and the relative position of the upper beam expanding sub-plate and the lower beam expanding sub-plate in the horizontal direction can be adjusted parallelly within a set range.

Abstract: The illumination apparatus includes a light guide plate, a light source disposed opposing an incident light surface of the light guide plate, at least one optical sheet stacked on a light emitting surface of the light guide plate, and a frame for accommodating the light guide plate. On principal surfaces of the light guide plate, a protruding part and a recessed part are provided so as to form a pair at least along an end surface of the light guide plate extending in a direction that intersects an end surface serving as the incident light surface of the light guide plate, or along an end surface that opposes the incident light surface of the light guide plate.

Abstract: A backlight module includes a light source component and a light guide plate. The light guide plate includes at least one micro-structure on a bottom surface of the light guide plate, and the micro-structure includes a plane reflective surface. The light source component includes light source groups, a first cylindrical lens array and a second cylindrical lens. Each of the light source groups includes a first light source and a second light source arranged along an X direction. The first cylindrical lens array is optically coupled between the light source groups and the light guide plate, and includes first cylindrical lenses having lens power along the X direction and disposed corresponding to each of the light source groups. The second cylindrical lens is optically coupled between the light source groups and the light guide plate, and has lens power along a Z direction orthogonal to the X direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator including: light guide members; light emitting elements arranged around the light guide members; and diffusion sheets laminated on one or more surfaces of the light guide members and configured such that light irradiated from the light emitting elements is uniformly spread out to upper and lower surfaces of the light guide members after being guided to the light guide members, and an electronic device including the same. The light diffused by the diffusion sheets is simultaneously emitted on two or more different surfaces outside of an electronic device. Because the electronic device can improve convenience of use of the electronic device by allowing the user to easily recognize information output from the electronic device regardless of the positioning state of the electronic device because the indicator is arranged such that information may be output on at least two surfaces at the same time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing circadian-friendly LED light sources are disclosed. A light source is formed to include a first LED emission (e.g., one or more LEDs emitting a first spectrum) and a second LED emission (e.g., one or more LEDs emitting a second spectrum) wherein the first and second LED emissions are combined in a first ratio and in a second ratio such that while changing from the first ratio to the second ratio the relative circadian stimulation is varied while maintaining a color rendering index above 80.

Abstract: A light guide mechanism of a fingerprint recognition plate includes a frame, a light guide plate, first electrodes, second electrodes and light emitting diodes. The frame has a hollow portion and receiving troughs. Each of the receiving troughs forms a first through hole and a second through hole penetrating the frame. The light guide plate covers the hollow portion. The first electrodes are in the first through holes, and the second electrodes are in the second through holes. Each of the light emitting diodes is in the receiving trough and includes a first electrode pin and a second electrode pin. The first electrode pin pierces the first through hole to be connected to the first electrode. The second electrode pin pierces through the second through hole to be connected to the second electrode. The first electrode pin and second electrode pin are exposed from the bottom of the frame.

Abstract: A quantum dot bar container of a quantum dot bar and a backlight unit including the same is provided. In one embodiment, the quantum dot bar container includes a first fixing part including a first guide groove extending in a first direction, a second fixing part facing the first fixing part and including a second guide groove corresponding to the first guide groove, and a plurality of first connection parts each connecting the first fixing part and the second fixing part. The quantum dot bar including quantum dots is slidably inserted between the first guide groove and the second guide groove.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an LED lamp strip structure, a backlight module, a liquid crystal display device and a method of controlling the LED lamp strip structure. The LED lamp strip structure comprises: a circuit board; and at least a first LED sequence and a second LED sequence arranged in parallel on the circuit board, the first LED sequence having a plurality of predetermined intervals, and each LED in the second LED sequence corresponding to one of the plurality of predetermined intervals respectively.

Abstract: The low magnetic sensitivity PM-PCF based on mechanical buffer is obtained by adding buffer structures in the cladding layer of the photonic crystal fiber. In the center of the fiber, the core region contains at least 3 layers of air-holes, enclosed by the cladding layer. The buffer structures are placed in the cladding layer. These buffer structures are formed by replacing silica of any shape by air, and are symmetrically located in X-axis and Y-axis directions to achieve mechanical isotropy. The buffer structures improve the fiber's performance in fiber coiling and stress conditions. Therefore, the fiber optic gyroscope using the PM-PCF can do without a magnetic shield, thus greatly reducing the weight of the fiber optic gyroscope and extending the scope of its application. Compared with the conventional commercial PCF, the PM-PCF provides the fiber optic gyroscope with lower temperature sensitivity and improved accuracy.

Abstract: An optical module with a dual layer printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) structure. The optical module includes a first casing and a second casing, and a first PCBA board and a second PCBA board located between the first casing and the second casing, a plurality of power components arranged on opposing surfaces of at least one of the first PCBA board and the second PCBA board, a layer of thermal superconducting medium of a bent arrangement including a first thermal conducting part and a second thermal conducting part arranged opposite to each other, the first thermal conducting part being thermally connected to the power component, and the second thermal conducting part being thermally connected to at least one of the first casing and the second casing, and at least one insulating layer arranged between the layer of thermal superconducting medium and the power components.

Abstract: A waveguide-based polarization splitter-rotator (PSR) includes a converter with tapered rib-structure configured to convert TM0/TE0 polarization mode of an input light to a TE1/TE0 mode, a splitter coupled to the first plane for splitting the input light evenly to a first wave at a first port and a second wave at a second port. Furthermore, the PSR includes a phase shifter having a first arm coupled to first port and a second arm coupled to the second port. The first arm guides the first wave to a third port with no phase shift while the second arm adds 90 or 270 degrees to the second wave. The PSR also includes a 2×2 MMI coupler for coupling the first wave and the second wave to output a first output light in TE0 mode exclusively from TM0 mode and a second output light in TE0 mode exclusively from TE0 mode.

Abstract: An optical interconnection device including: a first element layer formed on a substrate; a second element layer disposed on the first element layer and receiving an optical signal; and a mode converter interposed between the first element layer and the second element layer, and eliminating a difference between an effective refractive index of the first element layer and an effective refractive index of the second element layer and match a mode profile, wherein the first element layer, the mode converter, and the second element layer are sequentially disposed on respective planes spaced apart from each other on the substrate, and one end of the mode converter overlaps a part of the second element layer, and the other end of the mode converter overlaps a part of the first element layer.

Abstract: A spot size converter may include a tapered periodic segmented waveguide (PSW). The tapered PSW may include a plurality of waveguide segments defined by a plurality of gaps between the plurality of waveguide segments. The plurality of gaps may be at one or more angles that are not substantially parallel to a direction of a width of the tapered PSW. The direction of the width of the tapered PSW may be substantially perpendicular to a direction in which light passes through the tapered PSW.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to a method for forming an optical waveguide structure. Initially, a base film stack is received with an optical waveguide feature covered by a lower dielectric layer. An etch stop feature is then formed on the lower dielectric layer, and an upper dielectric layer is formed over the etch stop feature. Subsequently, a trench is patterned in the upper dielectric layer and the etch stop feature at least in part by utilizing the etch stop feature as an etch stop. Lastly, a waveguide coupler feature is formed in the trench, at least a portion of the waveguide coupler feature having a refractive index higher than the lower dielectric layer and the upper dielectric layer. The waveguide coupler feature is positioned over at least a portion of the optical waveguide feature but is separated from the optical waveguide feature by a portion of the lower dielectric layer.

Abstract: A device includes a substrate, a pedestal extending from the substrate, and a ring resonator disposed on the pedestal above the substrate. The ring resonator has a resonance wavelength greater than 1.5 ?m and includes at least one of silicon and chalcogenide glass. The device can be used as a ring resonator sensor or a light source. The ring resonator is substantially transparent to mid-infrared radiation to reduce optical losses. The pedestal has a narrower width compared to the ring resonator to generate improved interaction between evanescent fields of light in the ring resonator and analytes nearby the ring resonator, thereby increasing sensing sensitivity. In addition, fabrication of the device is compatible with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processes and hence is amenable to large scale manufacturing.

Abstract: A transmissive photonic crystal fiber ring resonator employing single optical beam-splitter comprises: a first fiber-optic collimator, a second fiber-optic collimator, a first photonic crystal fiber collimator, a second photonic crystal fiber collimator, an optical beam-splitter, and a fixture. The first fiber-optic collimator, the second fiber-optic collimator, the first photonic crystal fiber collimator, the second photonic crystal fiber collimator, and the optical beam-splitter are fixed on the fixture; the fiber pigtails of the first fiber-optic collimator and the second fiber-optic collimator are the input/output ports; the fiber pigtails of the first photonic crystal fiber collimator and the second photonic crystal fiber collimator are connected.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an optical coupling device is provided. The optical coupling device includes a substrate, and a grating arrangement including a plurality of grating elements, the plurality of grating elements being defined on one surface of the substrate, wherein the plurality of grating elements are arranged to have a first period along a first direction, and a second period along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the first period being different from the second period. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a photonic integrated circuit and a method of forming an optical coupling device are also provided.

Abstract: Communication device connection assemblies are described. The sealable connection assemblies are configured to provide water-tight connections for various data transmission elements, including cables, network devices, and computing devices. The connection assemblies may be used for various data transmission protocols, such as fiber optic connections. A compression element of the connection assembly may be configured to engage and compress a sealing element against a communication cable extending through the sealable connection assembly when a tension element is coupled to the inner body, thereby forming a seal between the sealable element and the communication cable. The connection assemblies may include a retainer body configured to form a grip or retention force with a communication cable sufficient to reduce and/or eliminate any forces on the communication cable (i.e.

Abstract: An optical adaptor for mounting to a receptacle to optically couple connectorized optical cables comprises a coupling element to provide a passageway for inserting a ferrule of a first optical connector to terminate a first one of the connectorized optical cables and a ferrule of a second optical connector to terminate a second one of the connectorized optical cables to optically couple the first and the second connectorized optical cable. The optical adaptor further comprises a mounting element being mountable to the receptacle to hold the optical adaptor. The mounting element is configured to receive the coupling element.

Abstract: The fiber inspection microscope and power measurement system for inspecting an endface of an optical fiber at an angle-polished connector generally has: a mating interface for receiving the angle-polished connector, the endface causing a mean propagation direction of light exiting the optical fiber at endface to be tilted relative to an imaging path of the system; a converging element to be optically coupled to the endface and being configured to receive the tilted light and to redirect the tilted light toward the imaging path of the fiber inspection microscope system; and a power detection assembly optically coupled to the converging element, the power detection assembly being configured to detect an optical power associated with the tilted light redirected by the converging element.

Abstract: Laser polishing is achieved by directing laser beam perpendicular at the fiber end face in a connectorized optical fiber having a metal ferrule. The spot size of the laser beam is larger than the bare optical fiber diameter, providing a more uniform spatial distribution of the radiation energy over the fiber end face. The metal ferrule provides heat conduction to prevent excessive heat built up at the fiber tip, which would lead to undesirable surface defects and geometries. The connectorized optical fiber may be pre-shaped prior to laser polishing. Subsequent laser polishing flattens the fiber end face.

Abstract: Fiber optic cable demarcations inhibiting movements of optical fibers relative to strength members, and related cable assemblies and methods, are disclosed. By bonding optical fibers to strength members with a bonding agent received into at least one cavity, a demarcation may be formed inside the cable jacket at a cable jacket interface. The at least one cavity may be disposed within a cable jacket of a fiber optic cable and at the cable jacket interface. The demarcation may bond at least one optical fiber and at least one strength member together to inhibit longitudinal movement of the at least one optical fiber relative to the at least one strength member. In this manner, the demarcation may inhibit optical fiber movement within the fiber optic connector, which may cause tensile forces and/or buckling of the optical fiber resulting in optical fiber damage and/or optical attenuation.

Abstract: A tool for removing a ferrule alignment sleeve from a sleeve mount of a fiber optic adapter, wherein the sleeve mount defines an axial bore and radially inwardly extending fingers for retaining the ferrule alignment sleeve therewithin, includes a handle and a pin extending from the handle. The pin is configured to slidably receive the ferrule alignment sleeve, the pin defining longitudinal keys for mating with gaps defined between the radially inwardly extending fingers of the sleeve mount, wherein the tool can also be used as a ferrule alignment sleeve insertion tool if the pin is inserted into the axial bore in a different orientation and from an opposite end of the axial bore as compared to the removal function.

Abstract: An optical device includes a semiconductor laser light source, a grating element and an optical transmission element. The grating element includes a ridge-type optical waveguide having an incident surface to which a semiconductor laser light is incident and an emitting surface from which an outgoing light having a desired wavelength is emitted, and a Bragg grating formed in the ridge-type optical waveguide. The light transmission element includes an optical transmission part having an incident surface to which the outgoing light from the ridge-type optical waveguide is incident. A near-field diameter in a horizontal direction at the incident surface of the optical transmission part is greater than a near-field diameter in the horizontal direction at the emitting surface of said ridge-type optical waveguide.

Abstract: The light receptacle has: a light transmitting light receptacle main body (130); support parts (140) disposed on both ends of the light receptacle main body (130); first optical surfaces (132) to which light emitted by light-emitting elements (114) is made incident; second optical surfaces (136) that output light made incident at the plurality of first optical surfaces (132) toward the end surfaces of a plurality of light transmitting bodies (116); and four adhesive holding parts (142) that are through holes or recesses with the entire periphery thereof surrounded by the support parts and that are disposed at the four corners of the light receptacle (120) in a plane view. The light receptacle main body (130) and the support parts (140) have a plane-symmetrical shape, and the four adhesive holding parts (142) are disposed in plane-symmetrical positions.

Abstract: An interconnect system includes a first circuit board, first and second connectors connected to the first circuit board, and a transceiver including an optical engine and arranged to receive and transmit electrical and optical signals through a cable, to convert optical signals received from the cable into electrical signals, and to convert electrical signals received from the first connector into optical signals to be transmitted through the cable. The transceiver is arranged to mate with the first and second connectors so that at least some converted electrical signals are transmitted to the first connector and so that at least some electrical signals received from the cable are transmitted to the second connector.

Abstract: An interconnect system includes a first circuit board, first and second connectors connected to the first circuit board, and a transceiver including an optical engine and arranged to receive and transmit electrical and optical signals through a cable, to convert optical signals received from the cable into electrical signals, and to convert electrical signals received from the first connector into optical signals to be transmitted through the cable. The transceiver is arranged to mate with the first and second connectors so that at least some converted electrical signals are transmitted to the first connector and so that at least some electrical signals received from the cable are transmitted to the second connector.

Abstract: An optical/electrical cable for downhole environments includes a plurality of optical fibers disposed within an interior metal tube. An electrically conducting layer surrounds the interior metal tube, an insulation layer surrounds and contacts the electrically conducting layer, and an exterior metal tube surrounds and contacts the insulation layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to central loose optical-fiber cables. An exemplary optical-fiber cable includes a central buffer tube that encloses loose optical fibers. Stranded strength yarns surround the central buffer tube and the optical fibers positioned within the central buffer tube's annular space, and a cable jacket surrounds the stranded strength yarns.