OPTICAL FIBER RIBBONS HAVING A NON-UNIFORM THICKNESS AND/OR PREFERENTIAL TEAR PORTIONS

摘要

A fiber optic ribbon (10) includes a plurality of optical fibers (12) arranged in a generally planar configuration having a primary matrix (14) generally contacting optical fibers along a longitudinal axis forming an elongate structure. In one embodiment, the primary matrix has a cross-section with a non-uniform thickness, for example, an end portion with a generally bulbous shape. The fiber optic ribbon is useful as a subunit having a secondary matrix (45) in contact therewith. The secondary matrix has a non-uniform thickness, thereby providing a fiber optic ribbon with preferential tear portions to aid separtion of the ribbon into subunits (51, 52). Other embodiments include a fiber optic ribbon with subunits having a secondary matrix with recessed portions to aid in the separation of the subunits.