Prysmian Launches Bend-insensitive Optical Fiber

Feb 14, 2007 8:00 AM

Prysmian Cables & Systems has introduced CasaLight, its new “bend-insensitive” optical fiber, in accordance with ITU-T recommendation G.657.

With the rapid growth in broadband services and the corresponding need to upgrade “last-mile” telecoms’ infrastructures, there is a growing trend toward deploying optical fiber closer and closer to the user. This transition toward the ultimate goal of fiber-to-the-home means that the optical fiber is likely to encounter greater levels of handling and will be subjected to more extreme degrees of bending than previously experienced.

The recently issued ITU-T recommendation G.657, entitled "Characteristics of a Bending Loss-insensitive Single-mode Optical Fiber and Cable for the Access Network," defines the new and tougher performance requirements now demanded by these applications. According to Prysmian representatives, CasaLight meets all of these requirements, and in particular:

Maintains its performance at a bend radius as low as 10mm, thus exceeding the limits of G.657A;
Maintains compatibility with standard equipment, connectors, and fiber in accordance with ITU-T recommendation G.652;
Demonstrates improved mechanical reliability, increasing its lifetime in environments where variations in temperature and moisture level as well as tight bends are likely;
Demonstrates best-in-class performance toward high-power effects, which can result in coating burns and glass fusion in certain amplified systems under severe bend conditions; and
Uses an environmentally friendly, fluorine-free manufacturing process as in all Prysmian fibers, further strengthening Prysmian’s position as a world leader in optical fiber technology.

For more information, visit www.prysmian.com.