Abstract

A thin strong optical fiber cable is developed using a grooved steel wire. The steel wire has the function of strength member against the pulling force and protection from lateral pressure. The former function is achieved by a high Young’s modulus of over 20,000 kg/mm²; the latter function is done by grooving. The steel wire made of 22 carbon steel and gilded copper has eight grooves in which thin-coated fibers of 400-μm o.d. are inserted; its outer diameter is 3-mm. The helical pitch of the groove is 200 ± 5 mm. The standard type of SM and GI fibers recommended by CCITT or IEC can be used in this cable. The outer diameter of the coating can be (optionally) reduced to 250 μm.

© 1987 Optical Society of America