Abstract

Practical fiber optic cables are designed to meet mechanical and optical signal transmission requirements. For a given mechanical specification the design obviously must ensure that the fiber is not stressed to its breaking point. This usually calls for a cable jacket which can absorb compressional forces and the use of auxiliary strength members to take up the tension. The fibers are often laid helically such that they are only subjected to residual stresses and the stresses due to bending associated with the helical configuration. Furthermore, the fiber filaments are prepared such that the fiber surfaces are protected from chemical and mechanical attack so as to maintain the good mechanical strength intrinsic in the fiber. These are subsequently processed in cabling machinery through torsion free stranding.

© 1975 Optical Society of America