
Chapter 15
Metal-Coated Fibers
Vladimir A. Bogatyrev and Sergei Semjonov
Fiber Optics Research Center, Geneva Physics Institute of the Russian
Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
15.1 INTRODUCTION
An optical fiber has to be defended by some protective coating from me-
chanical damage during handling and from environmental factors during its use.
In many cases, a polymer coating is appropriate for enough protection.
However, there are a number of special applications of optical fibers in which
ordinary polymer-coated fibers cannot be used. These applications can be
divided into several groups:
1. Increased reliability (hermeticity of the coating is important) ...