Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to retroreflective articles and methods of making such articles.

Abstract: A color filter device includes a dielectric layer, a passivation layer, a plurality of color filters and an inorganic film. The dielectric layer is disposed on a substrate, wherein the substrate has a light sensing area and a periphery area, and the periphery area is beside the light sensing area. The passivation layer is disposed on the dielectric layer, wherein the passivation layer has a recess. The color filters are disposed on the passivation layer and beside the recess. The inorganic film is disposed in the recess. The present invention also provides a method for forming said color filter device.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera configured to be disposed at a vehicle so as to have a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The camera includes a lens and an imager, and light passing through the lens is received at the imager via an optic path from the lens to the imager. The camera includes at least two spectral filters, each having a respective cutoff wavelength and (i) passing visible light below the respective cutoff wavelength, (ii) attenuating light above the respective cutoff wavelength. A control is operable to move the spectral filters relative to the optic path. The control positions a selected one of the spectral filters in the optic path so that the imager images visible light below the respective cutoff wavelength of the selected spectral filter. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera.

Abstract: An optical element is provided includes an optical layer having a flat incident surface on which light is incident and a wavelength-selective reflective layer disposed in the optical layer. Of light incident on the incident surface at an incident angle (?, ?), the optical element selectively directionally reflects light in at least one specific wavelength range in at least one direction other than a specular reflection direction (??, ?+180°) while transmitting light in at least one wavelength range other than the specific wavelength range, and is transparent to light in at least one wavelength range other than the specific wavelength range.

Abstract: An elliptically polarizing plate includes a polarizing plate and a retardation plate. The elliptically polarizing plate satisfies the following: 0.8?P(450)/P(650)?1.2 P(550)?0.7 Re(450)<Re(550)<Re(650) 0.05<1?P(450)<0.3 Re(550) and Re(650) represent the front retardation at wavelengths (?) of 450 nm, 550 nm and 650 nm, respectively. P(450), P(550) and P(650) represent the elliptically polarized light states (P(?)) at wavelengths (?) of 450 nm, 550 nm and 650 nm, respectively. P(?)=tan {sin?1(I1(?)×sin ?(?)×sin 2??I2(?)×sin ?(?)×cos 2?)/I2(?))/2}. I1(?)=(10?A1(?)?10?A2(?))/2. I2(?)=(10?A1(?)+10?A2(?))/2. ?(?)=Re(?)/?×2?. A1(?) and A2(?) represent the absorbance in the transmission and adsorption axis directions, respectively, of the polarizing plate at wavelength (?). Re(?) represents the front retardation at wavelength (?). ? represents the angle formed by the polarizing plate absorption axis and the retardation plate slow axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circularly polarizing plate that improves the visibility of black color in an oblique direction when being applied to a display device and having a small thickness, the display device including a circularly polarizing plate. The circularly polarizing plate is a circularly polarizing plate including, in this order, a polarizer, a ?/2 plate, and a ?/4 plate, in which the ?/2 plate is a laminate of a first A-plate and a first C-plate, the ?/4 plate is a laminate of a second A-plate and a second C-plate, one of the first C-plate and the second C-plate is a cellulose acylate film having a predetermined Rth, and the other of the first C-plate and the second C-plate is an optically anisotropic layer including a liquid crystal compound having a predetermined Rth or a cellulose acylate film having a predetermined Rth.

Abstract: A polarizer having a maximum absorbance at wavelengths from 280 to 320 nm is less than or equal to 0.70. A polarizing plate including the polarizer and a protective film disposed on the polarizer with an adhesive layer of a cured product of a light-transmitting adhesive being interposed. A polarizing laminated film including a substrate film and the polarizer provided on each of opposing surfaces of the substrate film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polarizing plate including: a polarizer; a first protective layer formed on at least one surface of the polarizer; and a second protective layer formed on a surface opposite to a surface adjacent to a polarizer of the first protective layer, in which the first protective layer is a cured product of a radical curable composition, and the second protective layer is a cured product of a cationic curable composition, a manufacturing method thereof, and an image display device including the same.

Abstract: A wire grid polarizer plate includes: a transparent substrate through which incident light is transmitted; and a partition wall member on the transparent substrate and at which first polarized light is transmitted and second polarized light perpendicular to the first polarized light is reflected. The partition wall member is defined by: first partition walls spaced apart from each other on the transparent substrate, the first partition walls formed of a first metal; second partition walls respectively on the first partition walls, the second partition walls formed of a second metal having strength greater than that of the first metal; and third reinforced partition walls respectively on the second partition walls and having a stepped cross-sectional structure, the third partition walls formed of an oxide of the first metal, the oxide of the first metal having strength greater than the strength of the second metal.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a production method that can prevent side etching and delamination of an anisotropic dye coating formed by an application process, thereby providing a polarizing element that exhibits durable performance and rugged reliability and that is less affected by a solvent or the like used in a production process after formation of the anisotropic dye coating, which leads to improved flexibility of the production process. The present invention also provides a polarizing element that includes a substrate, an anisotropic dye coating, and a resin composition layer, wherein the anisotropic dye coating and the resin composition layer are sequentially layered on the substrate, wherein the top surface and all side surfaces of the anisotropic dye coating are covered with the resin composition layer, and wherein the anisotropic dye coating and the resin composition layer are not formed on portions of the substrate.

Abstract: A lamp bar fixation device and a backlight source provided with the lamp bar fixation device are provided. The lamp bar fixation device comprises a back plate, a positioning clamp and a spacer, wherein the back plate is provided thereon with a positioning slot for receiving a lamp bar, the positioning clamp is positioned above the positioning slot, and the spacer is detachably mounted in the positioning clamp so as to fix the lamp bar. The lamp bar fixation device effectively improves assembling efficiency of the lamp bar and has a good heat dispersion performance. Meanwhile, the lamp bar fixation device facilitates the detachment of the lamp bar, and enables the lamp bar to be replaced without a risk of being damaged, and rework performance can be improved.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display panel and a backlight unit which provides light to the display panel. The backlight unit includes a light guide part, a light source part facing a light incident surface of the light guide part and including a circuit board, a first light emitting device package disposed on the circuit board, and a second light emitting device package disposed on the circuit board and which generates light having a wavelength different from that of light generated by the first light emitting device package, and an optical member disposed on at least one light emitting device package of the first and second light emitting device packages and including a plurality of rod-type lenses.

Abstract: Disclosed are a light guide plate, a backlight module of a liquid crystal display device, and a device for manufacturing the light guide plate. The light guide plate comprises a first surface and a second surface parallel with each other, wherein the first surface is formed with parallel columnar projections, and the second surface is formed with light guide ports. The light guide plate has a better light convergence effect compared with an existing light guide plate. As a result, light crosstalk in the light guide plate can be significantly attenuated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a light guide plate, a backlight module and a display apparatus. The light guide plate includes a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to the first surface. The second surface includes a network node region in which a plurality of network nodes are provided, so that light entering the light guide plate is capable of exiting from the first surface; and at least one protrusions, located at a region between an outer edge of the network node region of the second surface and an edge of the light guide plate, a height of the protrusion which projects from the second surface is larger than that of the network node which projects from the second surface.

Abstract: A lamp comprising: a solid-state lighting element; a light guide having two oppositely arranged outer surfaces and a circumferential edge joining the respective circumferences of the two outer surfaces, the light guide being arranged to couple in light emitted by the solid-state lighting element at the circumferential edge; and two slits arranged in the light guide and adapted to couple light out from the light guide, wherein each of the two slits extends from one of the outer surfaces to the other one of the outer surfaces, the two slits at least partly crossing each other inside the light guide.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical sheet assembly comprising: a first optical sheet which comprises a first base film and a first optical pattern formed on the first base film, light being incident on the first base film; a second optical sheet which comprises a second base film and a second optical pattern formed on the second base film, the light exiting from the first optical sheet being incident thereon; and a third optical sheet which comprises a third base film and a third optical pattern formed on the third base film, the light exiting from the second optical sheet being incident thereon, wherein the first to third optical patterns perform light condensing or diffusing function, the first optical sheet is joined with the second optical sheet, and the second optical sheet is joined with the third optical sheet.

Abstract: A reflection structure, a backlight module and a display device, the backlight module comprises a light source and a back plate and the light source is disposed on a side edge of the back plate, the reflection structure comprises: a first reflection plate disposed on the back plate, an end close to the light source of which can extend freely; and at least one second reflection plate disposed on an edge of the first reflection plate, wherein a first end of the second reflection plate overlaps the first reflection plate, a second end of the second reflection plate extends toward the side edge of the back plate, and at least one of the first end and the second end of the second reflection plate can extend freely.

Abstract: Illumination systems are described for illuminating a target area, e.g., a floor of a room, using active illumination devices in optical communication with passive illumination devices. The active and passive illumination devices of the illumination system are configured and arranged relative to each other in a variety of ways so a variety of intensity distributions can be provided by the illumination system. Such illumination system is implemented to provide light for particular lighting applications, including office lighting, garage lighting, or cabinet lighting.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a backlight module, a liquid crystal display device and a display; laser is used as the light source of the backlight module, improving the utilization of light and realizing high color gamut display. The backlight module comprises a laser light source and several light guide devices provided on a light output side of the laser light source; the several light guide devices are arranged in a first direction; each light guide device comprises several light guide elements and transflective films arranged alternately in a second direction; the transflective films are configured to reflect laser from the laser light source into a third direction; the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: A variety of luminaire modules are disclosed that are configured to output light provided by multiple light-emitting elements (LEEs). In general, embodiments of the luminaire modules feature at least two LEEs disposed on at least one substrate, at least two light guides that receive light from corresponding LEEs of the at least two LEEs, and at least one optical extractor that receives light from corresponding light guides from the at least two light guides.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a backlight module and a display device. The backlight module includes a back plate, a light guide plate (LGP) arranged on the back plate and including a central region and a peripheral region, and an optical sheet arranged on a light-exiting surface of the LGP. The LGP includes a supporting part arranged on the peripheral region and configured to support a display panel.

Abstract: A backlight module and a display device. The backlight module comprises a back plate, a light guide plate, and inwardly folded structures folded towards the light guide plate at the periphery of the back plate. At least an inwardly folded structure on a side of the back plate has a protruding step, and the light guide plate is arranged between the protruding step and a base surface of the back plate.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel which displays an image and is curved with respect to a first direction, a light guide plate disposed under the display panel and curved with respect to the first direction, a light source which provides a light to the light guide plate, a bottom chassis disposed under the light guide plate, and a supporting part disposed between the light guide plate and the bottom chassis and including an upper surface curved with respect to the first direction and a lower surface which is flat.

Abstract: Presented is a multiparameter automated luminaire comprised of a plurality of light engine modules, a plurality of which by design homogenize light emitted by its light sources more fully than at least one of the light engine modules, which is intentionally designed to noticeably not fully homogenize the light emitted by its light sources. In the preferred embodiment, the non homogenizing light engine module also includes light modulators optionally engagable to more fully homogenize the light output from that light engine module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an active optical fiber having a cladding and a doped core, as well as the active optical fiber equipped with the cladding and the doped core. The active optical fiber according to the invention is adapted to conduct and generate radiation having a wavelength ? and is provided with a cladding and a core containing at least one active dopant, characterized in that the core comprises elongate elements made of a first type of glass having a first refractive index n1 and elongate elements of a second type of glass having a second refractive index n2, oriented along the optical fiber and forming a compact bundle, wherein transverse dimensions of the elongate core elements are smaller than ? of the wavelength ?. Such optical fibers are used in laser generation and in amplification techniques.

Abstract: Methods and systems for writing a Bragg grating along a grating region of an optical fiber through a polymer coating of the optical fiber are provided. A light beam of ultrafast optical pulses is impinged on the grating region, the ultrafast optical pulses being characterized by writing wavelength at the grating region to which the polymer coating is substantially transparent The light beam is diffracted through a phase mask so as to form an interference pattern defining the Bragg grating at the grating region of the optical fiber. The light beam is also focussed such that the intensity of the optical pulses is below a damage threshold within the polymer coating, and above an FBG inscription threshold within the grating region of the fiber. Optical fiber having Bragg gratings and improved mechanical are also provided.

Abstract: A sensing system that includes an optical fiber disposed helically around an outer surface of a structure along a longitudinal axis of the structure is provided. The optical fiber is disposed such that at least one complete helical turn of the optical fiber covers the length of the structure. Further, the sensing system also includes a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) set comprising a plurality of FBGs in the optical fiber. Each FBG in the set is configured to generate reflected light that is indicative of strain values at a location of each respective FBG on the optical fiber. Furthermore, the system also includes a processing system coupled to the optical fiber. The processing system is configured to determine location coordinates of each FBG and values of one or more of bending moment, tensile force, and torsional moment acting at each FBG location on the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method forms a vertical output coupler for a waveguide, formed of waveguide material and disposed within a layer stack on a top surface of a wafer. The method includes etching through a portion of the wafer to form a via that exposes the waveguide material, and etching the waveguide material to remove at least a first portion of the waveguide. The etching forms a tilted plane in the waveguide material. The method further includes coating the first tilted plane with one or more reflective layers, to form a tilted mirror in contact with the first tilted plane in the waveguide material. The tilted mirror forms the vertical output coupler such that light propagating through the waveguide is deflected by the tilted mirror, and exits the waveguide.

Abstract: An optical system includes a silicon (Si) substrate, a buried oxide (BOX) layer formed on the substrate, a silicon nitride (SiN) layer formed above the BOX layer, and a SiN waveguide formed in the SiN layer. In some embodiments, the optical system may additionally include an interposer waveguide adiabatically coupled to the SiN waveguide to form a SiN-interposer adiabatic coupler that includes at least the tapered section of the SiN waveguide, the optical system further including at least one of: a cavity formed in the Si substrate at least beneath the SiN-interposer adiabatic coupler or an oxide overlay formed between a top of a SiN core of the SiN waveguide and a bottom of the interposer waveguide. Alternatively or additionally, the optical system may additionally include a multimode Si—SiN adiabatic coupler that includes a SiN taper of a SiN waveguide and a Si taper of a Si waveguide.

Abstract: This method for manufacturing a germanium slow light waveguide includes: producing, in a silicon plate, a cavity the cross section of which, parallel to the plane of the plate, is identical to the horizontal cross section of the slow light waveguide and the bottom of which is located inside the silicon plate; then carrying out an operation of vapor phase epitaxial growth of germanium on the bottom of the cavity until this cavity is completely filled with germanium; and before implementing said epitaxial growth operation, a protective layer is deposited on an upper face of the silicon plate or, after implementing said epitaxial growth operation, the germanium that has grown on said upper face is removed.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a method of forming an optical coupler system. The method includes forming at least one waveguide over a substrate, and forming a sacrificial optical coupler in a first region over the substrate. The method further includes configuring the sacrificial optical coupler to couple optical signals to or from the at least one waveguide, and forming a v-groove in the first region over the substrate, wherein forming the v-groove includes removing the sacrificial optical coupler from the first region.

Abstract: An optical system having two or more different optical elements with a corresponding interface between the optical elements. At least one of the optical elements has an anti-reflective structure that is transferred to the interface between two optical elements, typically by embossing. Also disclosed is the related method for making the optical system.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable for bi-directional communication of optical signals is disclosed. The optical fiber cable has a primary multimode optical fiber with an alpha value of ? and is concatenated to a compensating fiber with an alpha value ?, wherein 1.2?(????)??0.1. The optical fiber cable has a reach between 50 m and 800 m. Modules that employ a plurality of concatenated primary and compensating optical fibers are also disclosed. A bi-directional optical fiber communications system that operates at two different wavelengths is also disclosed.

Abstract: A compact polarization beam rotator includes a converter waveguide comprising a first segment and a second segment both in corresponding taper rib shapes sharing a first middle plane and configured to receive an input optical signal with TM polarization mode from an input plane and convert the TM polarization mode to TE1 polarization mode comprising a first arm mode and a second arm mode at a second middle plane. The polarization beam rotator additionally includes a splitter waveguide coupled to the second middle plane for separating the first arm mode and the second arm mode at a third plane respectively coupled to a first branch waveguide to deliver the first arm mode in phase and a second branch waveguide to reverse the second arm mode phase by 180°, and a 2×1 MMI coupler waveguide to combine both arm modes in phase to an output optical signal with TE polarization mode.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a polymer waveguide (PWG) is presented. The method includes preparing a polymer waveguide (PWG) sheet having a surface with partially exposed cores and partially exposed cladding, the cladding covering the cores and preparing a first dicing tape, the first dicing tape being an ultraviolet (UV) cut type dicing tape defining separation lines on a back side thereof. The method further includes placing the partially exposed cores of the PWG sheet on the first dicing tape to prevent the surface of the PWG sheet from atmospheric contaminations and placing a tape side of the first dicing tape attached to the PWG sheet on a second dicing tape.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting fiber mode to waveguide mode. The apparatus includes a silicon substrate member and a dielectric member having an elongated body. Part of the elongated body from a back end overlies the silicon substrate member and remaining part of the elongated body up to a front end is separated from the silicon substrate member by a second dielectric material at an under region. The apparatus also includes a waveguide including a segment from the back end to a tail end formed on the dielectric member at least partially overlying the remaining part of the elongated body. The segment is buried in a cladding overlying entirely the dielectric member. The cladding has a refractive index that is less than the waveguide but includes an index-graded section with decreasing index that is formed at least over the segment from the tail end toward the back end.

Abstract: A wavelength selective switch (WSS), including an input optical fiber collimation array, a first optical switching engine, a dispersion device, an optical path converter, a second optical switching engine, a third optical switching engine, and an output optical fiber collimation array. A first beam is input from a first port of the input optical fiber collimation array. The first optical switching engine performs angle deflection on the first beam on a first plane. The dispersion device demultiplexes, on a second plane, the angle-deflected first beam into multiple sub-wavelength beams. The second optical switching engine performs angle deflection on the multiple sub-wavelength beams that are obtained by demultiplexing. The dispersion device multiplexes, on the second plane, the angle-deflected multiple sub-wavelength beams. The third optical switching engine performs angle deflection on the multiplexed multiple sub-wavelength beams on the first plane.

Abstract: A system of soft contacting rotational interfaces with long service life, maintenance free, and high reliability, comprises a RF rotary joint and a single channel fiber optic rotary coupler and more particularly, a system having a plurality of conductive fiber brush bundles, a fiber optical wire and a coaxial conductor for transferring RF and optical signal(s) concurrently between relatively rotatable objects.

Abstract: A laser interference lithography device using all-fiber-optic components is disclosed. In the said all-fiber laser interference lithography device, an input coupling fiber receives the coherent laser beam from a laser source and sends it to an optical fiber splitter. The optical fiber splitter splits the input laser beam into at least two sub-beams and outputs the multiple sub-beams through multiple output optical fiber. Adjustable fiber holders, each carrying one output fiber, tune the position and angle of output optical fibers to achieve desired interference patterns on a substrate.

Abstract: A connector mating system that can enable the coupling and decoupling of electrical or optical power and communications channels, while in a harsh or submerged environment during which time the contacting interfaces of the power and communication channels remain fully protected from the destructive effects of the said environment. The system features a hybrid optic and/or electric connector that provides a means for electrical, optical and hybrid inter connection within an extremely hostile environment across a broad market range of applications with a novel end-seal concept in a scalable form factor with minimal actuation stresses and designed for high volume commodity manufacturing.

Abstract: A fiber optic adaptor includes two spaced apart engagement members protruding from a housing for connecting a ferrule member, and an auxiliary member disposed around the engagement members. The auxiliary member has a fixing portion and a moving portion. The moving portion is connected and movable relative to the fixing portion between pushing and non-pushing positions. When the moving portion is in the non-pushing position, the ferrule member is prevented from being detached from the engagement members. When the moving portion is in the pushing portion, the ferrule is allowed to be detached from the engagement members.

Abstract: A cap apparatus is mounted to a fiber optic connector having a ferrule supporting optical fiber(s). A sealing apparatus is cooperatively configured with the cap apparatus for protecting an end face of the ferrule. The cap apparatus includes a body having opposite ends between which a cavity extends. The opposite ends of the body respectively define first and second openings to the cavity. A portion of the fiber optic connector extends through the first opening and into the cavity. The cap apparatus includes a cover mounted to the body and at least partially obstructing the second opening, wherein the end face of the ferrule is positioned within the cavity at a location spaced from the cover. The sealing apparatus is positioned between at least a portion of the cover and the end face of the ferrule.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an optical fiber connector assembly, an optical fiber adapter, and an optical fiber connector to solve the problem of inconvenience in use caused by using a thread-locking manner in the prior art. The optical fiber connector, optical fiber adapter and optical fiber connector assembly provided in the present invention may be used as an outdoor connector to achieve plug and play. The optical fiber connector supports blind-mate, and the operation is convenient. Time taken to install and disassemble the optical fiber connector provided in the present invention is only ? of the time taken to install and disassemble a common thread connector.

Abstract: The optical fiber adapter of the present disclosure includes an outer housing and an inner housing. The outer housing has a chamber surrounded by four walls. A first plate, a first alignment cylinder and two stop blocks are formed in the chamber. The first alignment cylinder extends from the first plate, and the two stop blocks are respectively formed on two of the four walls. The inner housing includes a second plate, a second alignment cylinder and two retaining clips. The second alignment cylinder extends in a longitudinal direction from the second plate. The two retaining clips are formed on the second plate, and each of the retaining clips includes a bending part, an extending part and a hooking part. The bending part has an arcuate cross-section and extends from the second plate. The extending part extends out from the rear end of the bending part in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An interface device includes first and second connectors adapted to be joined together in an operating position. One or more first optical data conduits extend through the first connector, with each first optical data conduit terminating at a respective first optical conduit end which is operatively aligned with a respective first optical lens. One or more second optical data conduits extend through the second connector, with each second optical data conduit terminating at a respective second optical conduit end which is operatively aligned with a respective second optical lens. Each respective second optical data conduit and respective second optical lens are aligned for optical coupling across a coupling region with one of the first optical conduits and respective first optical lens when the first connector and second connector are joined in the operating position. The interface also includes a wireless or contact-type electrical power transfer arrangement.

Abstract: Back scattering in an optical waveguide at an operating wavelength is controlled by adjusting an optical phase of light propagating in the waveguide at one or more locations along the waveguide. A portion of the back scattered light is tapped off near an input port and coupled into a photodetector. A controller detects changes in the photodetector signal and adjusts an optical phase tuner configured to control the optical phase of light in the waveguide at the selected location or locations. The optical phase tuner may be configured to vary the refractive index of at least a portion of the waveguide.

Abstract: An optical connector includes an optical filter 36 that is disposed between an end surface and a lens, and includes a through-hole that transmits part of the output light, when an inner diameter of the through-hole of the optical filter is denoted by B, a distance from the end surface to the optical filter in the optical axis direction is denoted by L, a maximum transmitted light output angle of transmitted light that passes through the through-hole and has a smaller angle than a maximum output angle ? of output light is denoted by ??, and an outer diameter of a core of an optical fiber is denoted by A, B=2×L×tan ???A, and L>A/tan ??/2 are satisfied.

Abstract: An optical module for connecting a photoelectric conversion device on a substrate to a ferrule connected to an optical fiber includes a body configured to be mounted on the substrate, a first lens disposed on the body at a side thereof connectable to the ferrule, a second lens disposed on the body at a side thereof facing the substrate, and a core disposed in the body between the first lens and the second lens, wherein a refractive index of the core is higher than a refractive index of the body.

Abstract: Vented optical tube. At least some illustrative embodiments are conduits comprising a tube having a wall defining an interior volume of the tube. One or more optical fibers are disposed within the interior volume. The wall includes a plurality of vents passing from an outer surface of the wall to the interior volume, the plurality of vents disposed along a length of the tube, and wherein the vents are configured to convey a fluid in contact with the outer surface into the interior volume of the tube.

Abstract: A crush resistant, kink resistant optical cable including crush resistant, kink resistant optical fiber buffer tubes and systems and method for making the same are provided. The buffer tubes include a depression pattern formed along the outer surface of the buffer tube. The depression pattern provides areas of decreased thickness in the buffer tube facilitating flexibility and kink resistance. The system and method relates to laser ablation for forming the depression pattern in the buffer tube.