Low-temperature excess loss of UV-curable acrylate/nylon-coated optical fibres

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation curable acrylate/nylon-coated optical fibres show much higher excess loss at low temperatures than silicone/nylon-coated fibres. The difference in low-temperature excess loss between UV-curable acrylate/nylon- and silicone/nylon-coated fibres has been related to the degree of slip between the primary and nylon secondary coating layers during nylon extrusion coating process. The application of a lubricant to the acrylate and nylon interface has been found to be effective in reducing the excess loss at low temperatures.