Optical-fiber cable having a perforated water blocking element

摘要

The present invention provides optical-fiber communication cables with an improved water-blocking element that reduces or eliminates microbending caused by the water-swellable particulate powders by employing such water-swellable powders in conjunction with a smooth but perforated compression-resistant carrier tape. The water-blocking element is deployed within optical-fiber buffer tubes to water-block the buffer tubes and to minimize microbending that can occur when water-swellable particulate powders press against optical fibers.

主权项

1. An optical-fiber cable, comprising:
an optical fiber; a buffer tube enclosing said optical fiber; a water-blocking element positioned between said optical fiber and said buffer tube, said water-blocking element comprising (i) a fibrous carrier tape defining a plurality of discrete perforations and (ii) a water-swellable particulate powder bonded to said perforated fibrous carrier tape, wherein said water-blocking element at least partially surrounds said optical fiber and wherein said perforated fibrous carrier tape is positioned adjacent to said optical fiber and said water-swellable powder is positioned opposite said optical fiber; and a polymeric cable jacket surrounding said buffer tube.