Optical fiber coating and coding scheme
AssigneeNortel Networks Limited
InventorsKenneth Snowdon, James D Watts, Christopher G Tanner, Andrew Waterhouse, Alan Fisher
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Abstract
A coding scheme to identify the connections an optical fiber is to form in an optical assembly is provided. The coding scheme consists of a series of colors, typically four, provided along the fiber length. The combination of colors identifies the connection the fiber is to form. Colors are transferred to the optical fiber by sublimation of the dye at a relatively low temperature. The sublimed dye then diffuses into the outer coating of the optical fiber.
Claims13
A method of coloring an optical fiber with a colored dye sequence, the method comprising the steps of:
- positioning a length of the fiber upon a sheet of material coated with a sequence of colored dyes;
- heating the fiber using thermal transfer apparatus to transfer the sequence of colored dyes such that the sequence of colored dyes is transferred from the material to the fiber;
- cooling the fiber;
- and
- removing the fiber from the thermal transfer apparatus.
A method of coloring an optical fiber with a colored dye sequence, the method comprising the steps of:
- positioning a length of the fiber within a dye transfer apparatus;
- arranging a sheet of material coated with a sequence of colored dyes such that the coated surface of said sheet of material is capable of facing said length of fibre;
- using said dye transfer apparatus to enable the dye to diffuse into the outer coating of the optical fibre to transfer the sequence of colored dyes from the sheet of material to the fiber;
- cooling the fiber;
- and
- removing the fiber from the dye transfer apparatus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.