Optical fiber with large mode field diameter and low microbending losses

TLDR: In this paper, optical fibers with a mode field diameter at 1310 nm of at least 8.8 μm, wire mesh covered drum microbending losses at 1550 nm less than 0.03 dB/km, and a 2 m cutoff wavelength less than 1320 nm.

Abstract: Optical fibers having a mode field diameter at 1310 nm of at least 8.8 μm, wire mesh covered drum microbending losses at 1550 nm less than 0.03 dB/km, and a 2 m cutoff wavelength less than 1320 nm. The fibers may include a central core region, an inner cladding region, an outer cladding region, a primary coating with an in situ modulus less than 0.20 MPa and glass transition temperature less than −35° C., and a secondary coating with an in situ modulus greater than 1500 MPa. The fibers may further include a depressed index cladding region. The relative refractive index of the central core region may be greater than the relative refractive index of the outer cladding region may be greater than the relative refractive index of the inner cladding region. The fibers may be produced at draw speeds of 30 m/s or greater.