Effect of color removal on optical fiber reliability

Several fiber contacting devices used in the fiber optic industry rely on the ability to transmit light through the protective polymeric coating surrounding the glass fiber. These include fiber identifiers, local injection and detection systems, and optical taps. Optimal operation of these devices may require removal of the inks used to color code the fiber. This paper addresses the question of whether the solvents typically used for color removal affect the strength of the fiber. Since strength is strongly correlated to fiber reliability, operations which degrade fiber strength are of great concern. Test results show no measurable strength degradation after color removal, regardless of stripping technique. The long term reliability of fibers in the field is therefore unlikely to be affected adversely by removal of the ink layer from fiber coatings.