Patent ID: 9541705
Date: 2017-01-10
CPC Classifications: B23K,G02B

Claim:
1. An optical fiber, comprising: a first lengthwise portion covered by a polymer coating, and a second lengthwise portion, wherein the polymer coating is not present on at least ninety-five (95) percent of an exterior surface of the second lengthwise portion of the optical fiber; wherein a microstructure of the polymer coating, adjacent to the second lengthwise portion on the first lengthwise portion, tapers at an angle such that a thickness of the polymer coating decreases toward the second lengthwise portion as a function of proximity to the second lengthwise portion; wherein the microstructure of the polymer coating proximate to the second lengthwise portion includes an increased volume of trapped bubbles relative to the polymer coating further from the second lengthwise portion; and wherein a bulbous portion of the polymer coating is disposed adjacent to the second lengthwise portion.