SINGLE-MODE FIBER CABLE AND JOINING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BROADBAND NETWORKS.

Single-mode optical fiber cable and the joining techniques were investigated and the total performance was evaluated by constructing the experimental lines. Optical-fiber-ribbon cables containing several hundred fibers, were realized, based on high-fiber-density design, and the optical losses at wavelengths of 1. 3 and 1. 5 mu m were confirmed to be stable in the cabling and installation processes. Precise fiber axis alignment techniques enabled mass-fusion splice and multifiber connection for the fiber ribbon. The splice and the connection losses were found to be small enough for practical use.