Magnetic Coating of Optical Fibers

High speed deployment of optical fiber on payout spools can result in fiber damage when organic adhesives used to hold the fiber in place degrade over a period of time. An alternative approach would utilize a magnetic coating on the fiber that would provide reliable operations over the life of the product. This program propose a continuous high speed, low cost coating process, that produce amorphous magnetic coating that minimize stress on the fiber. The magnetic coating is protected by an ultra thin hermetic barrier coating that protects the magnetic coating from long term degradation when exposed to ambient conditions of high temperature and humidity. During Phase I, the program will establish proof-of concept that bobbins of optical fiber can be produces that have the desired magnetic properties, with no loss in mechanical strength and optical quality. In the Phase II work the process will be optimized, the fiber will spooled to specifications and field test will be performed with end use equipment.