Lynn G. Amos

Mechanical performance and reliability of Corning Titan SMF CPC5 fiber after exposure to a variety of environments

As the fiber-optic revolution moves from the long-haul telco environment into the pedestal environment, mechanical performance requirements on optical fiber will be more rigorous. This will require fiber and fiber coatings which can withstand a wider variety of environments and possess improved handling properties. Corning Titan™ SMF CPC5 fiber was specifically designed to meet such new demands on the mechanical performance of optical fibers. The performance improvement was realized through modifying the silica glass surface with titania, along with the use of a new acrylate coating. This paper reports the experimental results of testing the strip force, coating abrasion resistance, strength, and dynamic fatigue before and after prolonged exposure to salt water, acidic and basic solutions, hot-dry environment and temperature-humidity cycling.