Specialty Optical Fibers Handbook

applications—that values of n

d

are typically in the upper range of what might be

expected of a more conventional single-mode fiber.

8.7.2 Strength Paradox II: Thin Fibers Can

Be Stronger Than Thicker Ones

Review of the PM fiber data sheets from any manufacturer will reveal that

many specifications are available in both 125-mm and 80-mm variants. A 125-mm

glass diameter is a standard that was originally developed for the telecommuni-

cations industry and that has a number of advantages, primarily it is big enough

to be seen and handled easily while being small enough to enable multifiber cable

designs of acceptable dimensions and, being a standard means that a wide variety

of compatible components are available. However, once again, the more aggres-