Rollable ribbons in loose-tube cable structures

An optical waveguide system for transmitting optical information, comprising:

• at least one source of optical energy;
• an optical cable coupled to the source for transmitting optical energy from the source;
• and
• a receiver coupled to the optical cable for receiving optical energy from the source,
• wherein the optical cable comprises
• a central strength member,
• a plurality of multi-fiber unit tubes positioned around the central strength member, wherein the multi-fiber unit tubes are substantially circular and dimensioned to receive a plurality of optical fibers, and
• a plurality of partially bonded optical fiber ribbons positioned within at least one of the multi-fiber tubes, wherein the partially bonded optical fiber ribbons are partially bonded in such a way that each partially bonded optical fiber ribbon is formed in a random shape, and wherein the plurality of partially bonded optical fiber ribbons are randomly positioned within the multi-fiber unit tube, and
• a jacket surrounding the plurality of multi-fiber unit tubes,
• wherein the plurality of partially bonded optical fiber ribbons is not twisted, and wherein each partially bonded optical fiber ribbon of the plurality of partially bonded optical fiber ribbons is not twisted.