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Structure of Plastic Optical Cable

Optical network knowledge brief Published 28 Dec 2023

Prepared for preliminary research by the COETZER OPTICAL knowledge desk. Confirm compatibility, loss budgets and installation requirements against current standards and product documentation.

Plastic optical cables consist of a polymer core, polymer cladding, protective coatings, and an outer jacket, designed to transmit light efficiently while providing mechanical flexibility and protection.Core and Cladding

The core of a plastic optical fiber (POF) is made entirely of polymer materials such as PMMA (acrylic), polystyrene, or polycarbonate, which guide light through total internal reflection . Surrounding the core is the cladding, also made of polymer but with a lower refractive index to confine light within the core. In some designs, the core may be doped to increase its refractive index, while high-performance fibers use perfluorinated polymers to reduce propagation losses . Typical core diameters range from 0.25 mm to 1.5 mm, much larger than glass fibers, making them easier to handle and terminate .

Protective Coatings

Over the cladding, a primary coating of plastic is applied to protect the fiber from mechanical damage and environmental stress . This coating does not affect the optical properties but ensures durability and flexibility. Some POFs may include additional buffer layers or resin coatings to further strengthen the fiber and facilitate handling during installation .

Strength Members and Outer Jacket

Plastic optical cables often include strengthening fibers or a plastic sheath to provide tensile strength and prevent fiber breakage during bending or pulling . The outer jacket is typically made of flexible plastic materials, giving the cable robustness and protection against abrasion, moisture, and other environmental factors. This design allows POFs to be cut to length, routed through tight spaces, and used in patch cords or inter-building connections .

Summary

In essence, a plastic optical cable is composed of:

  • Core: Polymer material guiding light (PMMA, polystyrene, polycarbonate)
  • Cladding: Polymer with lower refractive index to confine light
  • Primary coating: Protective plastic layer
  • Strength members: Optional fibers or resin for mechanical support
  • Outer jacket: Flexible plastic sheath for environmental protection Plastic optical cables are flexible, cost-effective, and suitable for short-distance data transmission, industrial light guides, and applications where ease of handling and installation is important .

Structure of Plastic Optical Cable - COETZER OPTICAL SYSTEMS (Pty) Ltd [PDF]

Structure of Plastic Optical Cable

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This reference is intended for preliminary optical-network research. Compatibility, link budgets, installation methods, test limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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