OPTICAL FIBER ASSEMBLIES HAVING ONE OR MORE WATER-SWELLABLE MEMBERS

摘要

Disclosed are fiber optic assemblies having at least one optical fiber and at least one water-swellable yarn disposed within a tube that preserves optical performance. Optical performance is preserved by selecting water-swellable yarns for the fiber optic assemblies that are softer and loftier since at least some of the filaments have a textured characteristic. In one embodiment, the water-swellable yarn has a stretch ratio of about 2 or more, where the stretch ratio is defined as the nominal unstretched diameter divided by the nominal stretched diameter. In another embodiment, the water-swellable yarn has a textured elongation factor of about 2 % or more. Additionally, embodiments may position the optical fibers radially outward of the water swellable yarn(s), thereby further preserving optical performance.