PRODUCT SPECIFICATION SINGLE-MODE OPTICAL FIBRES SM-R OPTIMISED FOR OPERATION AT 1310 nm

Issue no. 4, January 1998

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION FOR SINGLE-MODE OPTICAL FIBRES SM-R OPTIMISED FOR OPERATION AT 1310 nm (Issue no. 04, January 1998)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Optical fibre characteristics General Materials Dimensional characteristics Optical specifications Mechanical characteristics Environmental characteristics Special tests Performance characterisation Shipping conditions Labelling Packaging Ordering

3 3 4 4 6 8 10 10 11 12 12 13 15

ALL OPTICAL AND GEOMETRICAL CHARACTERISTICS REPORTED IN THIS PRODUCT SPECIFICATION ARE TO BE CONSIDERED TYPICAL.

FOR UPDATED VALUES PLEASE REFER TO THE DATA SHEET SINGLE MODE FIBRES SM-R OR ASK OUR SALES DEPARTMENT.

1. - OPTICAL FIBRE CHARACTERISTICS The SM-R fibre is single -mode optimised for operation around 1310 nm (Step Index Design). Optical specifications Attenuation coefficient range at 1310 nm Attenuation coefficient range at 1550 nm Attenuation uniformity Chromatic dispersion coefficient [1285 1330 nm] Chromatic dispersion coefficient [1525 1575 nm] Mode field diameter at 1310 nm (Petermann II) Profile uniformity Cut-off wavelength range Dimensional specifications Cladding diameter Mode field/cladding concentricity error Cladding non circularity Coating diameter General Proof test (elongation) Primary coating 0.33 0.38 dB/km 0.19 0.23 dB/km 0.06 dB/km 3.5 ps/(nmkm) 20.0 ps/(nmkm) 9.2 0.5 m 0.08 dB 1150 1330 nm 125 2 m 1.0 m 2.0 % 242 7 m 1% double layer of UV cured acrylate

Fibres with different specifications can be made available upon special agreement with the customers. Available fibre lengths depend upon required characteristics and application.

2. - GENERAL 2.1 The specification is based on the most updated issues of the following international or national standards: ITU-T SG15 Rec. G. 650 ITU-T SG15 Rec. G. 651 ITU-T SG15 Rec. G. 652 IEC 793-1 CENELEC EN 188000(series) Generic, Sectional, Family Optical Fibres Specifications

At the time of printing this document, IEC standards are undergoing a revision process, after which their structure will be modified. The identification numbers of the test methods given in the following refer to IEC 793-1, 3rd Ed., 1989 and its Amendment 1, 1991.

2.2 The test methods for fibre evaluation are specified in ITU-T Rec.s G.650, G.651 and G.652. When these recommendations are insufficient then techniques stated in above mentioned IEC documents are adopted. When no adequate standards exists, internal test procedures have been developed, de tails of which can be provided upon request. 2.3 The reliability of the test results is ensured by adopting a stable calibration of the measuring instruments. The reproducibility and repeatability characteristics of the measurements can be provided upon request. 2.4 The values of some fibre parameters (e.g. attenuation, etc.) have to be specified in the Order (see Item 13 Ordering) 2.5 The tests are classified as follows:

Acceptance (A): when the parameter is specified and measured for each reel of fibre. Acceptance by sampling (AS): when the parameter is specified for each reel of fibre, and is measured once or more per batch (as agreed between the user and the manufacturer): the batch size can be different for different parameters. Type (T): when the parameter is measured in the design stage, and then the measurement is repeated under request of the Client or in case of major changes in the manufacturing process. 2.6 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

In accordance with the terms and definitions given in ITU-T Rec. G.650, G.651 and G.652.

3. - MATERIALS 3.1 GLASS

The fibre is manufactured using high grade silica for the cladding and germanium-doped high grade silica for the core to provide the required performances. The uniformity of the composition is guaranteed for each order supply. 3.2 COATING

The primary coating shall be in a form of a composite double layer of acrylate (UV cured), adhered to the surface of the fibre. The adhesion between the primary coating and the fibre shall be maintained also in the presence of humid environments. The primary coating can be removed by the use of suitable stripping tools or chemical solutions.

4. - DIMENSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS 4.1 GLASS PROPERTIES

4.1.1 Refractive index profile, refractive index difference The refractive index profile is step index with matched cladding (see fig. 4.1.1).
Refracrtive index (a.u.)

figure 4.1.1 A graphical record can be provided of the typical profile together with the maximum index difference and the core diameter. Test method Refracted near-field technique (ITU-T Rec. G.651, Annex B Sec.I, Item 2; IEC 793-1, Method A1). Classification of the test: T 4.1.2 Cladding Diameter Specification The nominal value is 125 m: the maximum cladding diameter deviation is not greate r than 2 m. Test method Transmitted near-field technique (ITU Rec. G.650, Clause 2.2.1; IEC 793-1, Method A2. Classification of the test: AS 4.1.3 Concentricity error (core to cladding) Specification The concentricity error between core and cladding is 1.0 m. Test method, Classification of the test As for 4.1.2 4.1.4 Non-circularity error

-125 -115 -105 -95 -85 -75 -65 -55 -45 -35 -25 -15 -5 5 15 25 35 45 55 65 75 85 95 105 115 125 position (micron)

Specification The cladding non-circularity is 2.0%. Test method, Classification of the test As for 4.1.2

4.2

COATING PROPERTIES

4.1.2 Primary coating diameter Specification Coating diameter 242 7 m. Test method Side view light distribution for primary coating (IEC 793-1 Method A3): a sample of primary coated fibre, immersed in refractive index matching liquid and illuminated from below, is viewed transversally (i.e. from the side) through an optical magnifying system. The diameters of the coating layers are obtained by evaluating the image formed by the light refracted through the sample. Classification of the test: AS 4.2.2 Concentricity and non-circularity errors For the primary coating layers the concentricity and non circularity errors can be given on type test basis Test method As for 4.2.1. Classification of the test: AS

5. OPTICAL SPECIFICATIONS 5.1 MODE FIELD DIAMETER

Specification The nominal value of the mode field diameter at 1310 nm is 9.2 m (Petermann II definition). The maximum deviation is 0.5 m. Test method Variable aperture far-field (ITU-T Rec. G.650, Clause 2.1.2; IEC 793-1, Method C9B). Classification of the test: A

5.2

ATTENUATION

5.2.1 Attenuation Coefficient Specification The maximum value must be stated in the ordering specification (see Item 13) at the wavelength of 1310 nm or 1550 nm; values required in a

wavelength range (e.g. 1285 1330 nm or 1525 1575) may also be specified. The typical spectral attenuation curve is shown in fig. 5.2.1.

0.75

Attenuation coefficient [dB/km]

0.65 0.55 0.45 0.35 0.25 0.15 1220

1320

1420

1520

Wavelength [nm]

figure 5.2.1 Test method 1 Cut-back technique (ITU-T G.650, Clause 2.4.1; IEC 793-1, Method C1A). Classification of the test: A 5.2.2 Longitudinal uniformity Specification Attenuation uniformity @ 1550 nm 0.06 dB/km Profile uniformity 0.08 dB Test Method The longitudinal uniformity of every fibre is measured by the evaluation of attenuation and of profile uniformity parameters, both obtained f rom bidirectional OTDR traces (IEC 793-1, Method C1C). In the first case the deviation in the attenuation coefficients of adjacent segments of the fibre, compared with the average value over the full length, are evaluated. The profile uniformity parameters give an estimate of the local variation of fibre parameters, such as MFD or, in general, the refractive index profile. The measurement are performed both at 1310 nm and at 1550 nm. Classification of the test: A

5.3 CUT-OFF WAVELENGTH

This characteristic may be alternatively measured with the back-scattering technique (ITU-T G.650 Clause 2.4.2; IEC 793-1, Method C1C)

Specification The cut-off wavelength value is in the range 1150 nm to 1330 nm. Test method Transmitted power technique with reference power obtained from a multimode fibre (ITU-T Rec. G.650, Clause 2.3.1, Item 1; IEC 793-1, Method C7A). Classification of the test: A

5.4 CHROMATIC DISPERSION Specification WAVELENGTH RANGE nm 12851330 nm 12701340 nm 1525 1575 DISPERSION COEFFICIENTS 3.5 ps/(nm km) 6.0 ps/(nm km) 20.0 ps/(nm km)

The zero dispersion wavelength ( o) lies between 1300 and 1324 nm; the maximum value of the zero dispersion slope (S o) is 0.093 ps/(nm2km). Test method Phase shift technique (ITU-T Rec. G.650, Clause 2.5.1; IEC 793-1, Method C5A). Classification of the test: AS

5.5

1550 nm LOSS PERFORMANCE

Specification The loss increase for 100 turns of fibre loosely wound on a mandrel with a radius of 30 mm measured at 1550 nm, is equal to or less than 0.1 dB Test method ITU-T Rec.G.652, Clause 1.6 Classification of the test: T

6. - MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS 6.1 PROOF TEST

Specification Fibres are typically tested with a strain 1%. If required, fibres tested to different strain can also be supplied. Test method Optical fibre proof test (IEC 793-1, Method B1)

6.2

TENSILE BREAKING STRENGTH

For information the tensile breaking strength can be supplied in a Weibull distribution form.

As an example a typical Weibull plot obtained from 10m samples is shown in figure 6.2.

0.33677

0.90000 0.80000 0.70000 0.60000 0.50000 0.40000 0.30000 0.20000 0.10000 0.05000 0.04000 0.03000 0.02000 0.01000 0.00500 0.00400 0.00300 0.00200 0.00100 0.00080 0.00055 0.00030

cumulative failure probability

-0.66323

-1.66323

-2.66323

-3.66323

-4.66323

0.00005 0.4
-0.32288 -0.12288 0.07712 0.27712 0.47712

0.3
-0.52288

strength (GPa)

2.5

3.5

0.67712

5.0

figure 6.2 Test method Tensile strength of optical fibres (IEC 793-1, Method B2A, B2B) Clas sification of the test: T

6.3

STRESS CORROSION SUSCEPTIBILITY FACTOR

The typical value of the (dynamic) stress corrosion susceptibility factor n is 22. Test method

10

Dynamic fatigue parameters of optical fibres by axial tension (IEC 793-1 Method B7A). Classification of the test : T

6.4

STRIPPABILITY OF THE PRIMARY COATING

The test is carried out to evaluate the strippability of the primary coating of the fibre. Specification Stripping force lies in the range 1N to 3.5N Test method Strippability (IEC 793-1, Method B6). Classification of the test: T

7. - ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS Specification The maximum variation of attenuation at 1310 nm and 1550 nm with respect to room temperature, in the range between - 60 C and + 80 C, is 0.05 dB/km. Test method The test is carried out according to IEC 793-1 Method D1. Two cycles are carried out with the following characteristics : TA = Low temperature -60 C

TB = High temperature Rate of temperature variation :

+80C 5 C/min

Conditioning period at T A, TB and room temperature : 12h The attenuation is measured with the back-scattering technique. Classification of test: T

8. - SPECIAL TESTS If required, data on the following performances can be given for information.

8.1

VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE

The test evaluates the variation of fibre characteristics between ambient temperature and very high temperature (e.g. 180 C and/or 200 C).

8.2

MICROBENDING SENSITIVITY

The test evaluates fibre sensitivity to microbending with a special test which is carried out according to EN 188000 Optical Fibres Generic Specifications.

11

9. - PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISATION 9.1 WAVELENGTH 1310 nm 1550 nm EFFECTIVE GROUP INDEX VALUE 1.467 1.468

These values can be used with the OTDR equipments only for indicative length measurements and fault location 9.2 FIBRE ZONE WAVELENGTH 1310 nm CLADDING 1550 nm 1310 nm CORE 1550 nm 1.448 1.444 1.451 REFRACTIVE INDEX VALUE 1.447

9.3

NUMERICAL APERTURE - INDICATIVE VALUE NA 0.11

This parameter is not usually defined nor measured with single mode fibre: it is here given only as a plausible value.

9.4

YOUNG MODULUS E 71 GPa

This value is available from general literature on silica glass: the contribution of primary coating to the modulus of the fibre is negligible.

9.5

ATTENUATION VERSUS CURVATURE

The SM-R fibre, where R stands for Reduced Mode Field Diameter, is designed to improve bending performances SM-R fibres have been tested on mandrels with different diameters. Experimental results show that the attenuation coefficient at 1550 nm typically does not increase for diameters greater than 40 mm.

12

9.6

LIFETIME ESTIMATE OF BENT FIBRES

The lifetime of a fibre can be shortened by the mechanical stresses induced by any bend. From some statistical considerations, taking into account the breaking loads, the n values and the proof test value, it is possible to give the following estimates, which however have only a statistical meaning: the fibre will statistically survive for 20 years on a mandrel with radius equal to 20 mm. the minimum curvature radius before fibre breaks, on the average, is about 1 mm.

9.7

BREAKING STRENGTH
2

Typical breaking strength is around 4000 N/mm (500 mm sample le ngth) equivalent to about 5 kg.

10 - SHIPPING CONDITIONS 10.1 Single mode fibres are wound on shipping spools with sufficient tension to prevent fibre entanglement and breakage. Under these conditions, the attenuation of the fibre cannot be accurately measured. However, the fibre end is accessible, and a continuity check is possible using a back-scattering equipment. A transparent film is wrapped around the optical fibre on the reel for protection during shipment and storage. 10.2 SHIPPING SPOOLS

CHARACTERISTICS Material Flange Thickness Traverse Width Outside Width Barrel Diameter (with Foam) Bore Diameter Flange Dia meter Weight Shipping Length

U. mm mm mm mm mm mm kg m

STAND. ABS 6.3 95.2 107.9 158.8 25.4 234.9 0.46 26400

MEDIUM ABS 6.3 152 165 158.8 25.4 234.9 0.64 ]26.400 40000[

DOUBLE ABS 6.3 210.8 223.5 158.8 25.4 234.9 0.72 40000

11 - LABELLING

13

The label contains the following information : SYMBOL Fibra n. Lunghezza Att - 1310 nm Coating: DESCRIPTION Fibre identification number Fibre length Attenuation at 1310 nm(dB/km) Coating Material UNIT 12 Numbers Numeric Alphanumeric Alphanumeric

The Fibre Identification Number is available also for Bar Code Reader on labels stuck to the shipping spools.

12 - PACKAGING 12.1 SHIPPING BOXES

The reels of optical fibre are packed in double walled corrugated boxes containers. The cardboard boxes are available in various sizes that will accommodate 2, 10, 12 reels per box. All fibres shipped in a single container will be of the same product type. Each reel is located in a defined position inside the box. This position is specified in the Optical Fibres Data Format (see fig. 12.1). 12.2 STORAGE TEMPERATURE

The storage environment for optical fibre while on the shipping spool shall be: - 40 C to + 55 C, at < 98% relative humidity. To maintain optimum wind quality for extended period of time, FOS recommends a stage temperature of 20 25 C. 12.3 DOCUMENTATION

The documentation generated for each fibre order includes: an order acknowledgement, confirming the purchase order, mailed following order placement;

a packing list, with reference to the purchase order number, accompanying each shipment; an invoice for the order mailed within 24 hours after shipment is sent; a certificate of compliance available upon request; a floppy disk and a hard copy containing, for each reel, the fibre identification with all the optical geometrical and mechanical data in the format described in fig. 12.1.

14

OPTICAL FIBRES DATA FORMAT ROW 1 Characters 01-02 04-05 07-18 20-22 24-35 0123456789AB 37-48 50-54 56-60 62-132 ROW 2 Characters 01-12 14-17 19-22 24-27 29-34 36-41 43-46 48-52 54-58 60-63 65-69 71-75 77-81 83-85 87-89 91-93 95-97 99-132 figure 12.1 12.4 DATA RETRIEVAL In order to read data shipped by FOS on floppy disk, it is possible to use an IBM or IBM compatible Personal Computer with 31/2 . Furthermore, it is possible to use other computers only if they are able to read ASCII file stored on disk valid for IBM P.C. or equivalent. Use the following MS-DOS commands to display or print data: TYPE file_ name PRINT file _ name It is possible to use tools able to import data in ASCII format.

Contents Box number Box location number FOS order number FOS item number Client Fibre identification Shipping length (m) Effective length (m) For future use

Example 01 01 000070/88/IA 10A order number 041253356501 12800 12880 BB....B

Contents Example Fibre identification 041253330601 Attenuation coefficient at 1300 nm (dB/km) 0.37 Attenuation coefficient at 1310 nm (dB/km) 0.36 Attenuation coefficient at 1550 nm (dB/km) 0.21 Worst chromatic dispersion in the range 1285 1330 nm (ps/nm km) - 03.1 Worst chromatic dispersion in the range 1525 1575 nm (ps/(nmkm) +17.2 Zero dispersion wavelength (nm) 1320 2 Slope (ps/(nm km)) 0.090 Longitudinal uniformity (dB/km) 0.006 Cut-off wavelength (nm) 1190 Mode field diameter (Petermann II) 1310 nm ( m) 09.4 Mode field diameter (Petermann II) 1550 nm ( m) 00.0 Cladding diameter ( m) 125.1 Cladding circularity error (%) 0.6 Concentricity error core/clad ( m) 0.5 Proof test (%) 1.0 Coating diameter (m) 242 For future use BB.....B

15

16