Multiple methods and systems for connecting or tapping into fiber optics

An optical fiber constructed to interface to a non-invasive signal transformation apparatus, the fiber comprising:

• a substantially constant diameter along a longitudinal axis of the fiber;
• and
• indentions implemented at repeated distances along the fiber to interface the fiber to one or more layered interface elements, the interface elements each comprising a first electrically conductive layer defining a first surface, a photoactive material layer in intimate contact with the first layer on a second surface opposite the first surface, a second electrically conductive layer in intimate contact with the photoactive material layer, confining the photoactive material layer between the first and second electrically conductive layers, and a third surface angularly disposed to the first surface and intersecting the photoactive material layer;
• characterized in that the indentions are shaped to engage the interface elements in a manner that brings an edge of the photoactive material layer into intimate contact with a region of the fiber at an angle other than at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the fiber.

An optical cable for N fibers to enhance selectively coupling to individual fiber n-groups from the cable, where n<N, comprising:

• a first core conducting N-n of the fibers;
• a second core parallel to the first core, the second core at any point conducting n of the N fibers as a first n-group, the second core physically distinguishable from the first core;
• and
• crossover regions at regular intervals along the cable having openings between the cores wherein fiber n-groups may switch between the first core and the second core;
• characterized in that at each crossover region proceeding in one direction, a n-group of fibers in the second core crosses over into the first core, and a different n-group of fibers crosses over from the first core to the second core.

A method for facilitating selective coupling to individual fiber n-groups in an optical cable carrying N fibers in a plurality of fiber n-groups, where n<N, comprising the steps of:

• (a) forming the cable with a first core conducting N-n of the fibers;
• (b) forming a second core parallel to the first core, the second core at any point conducting n of the N fibers, the second core physically distinguishable from the first core;
• (c) providing crossover regions at regular intervals along the cable, the crossover regions having an opening between the cores wherein fiber n-groups may cross over between the first core and the second core;
• and
• (d) crossing a n-group from the second core to the first core, and a different n-group of fibers from the first core to the second core, at each crossover point.