Patent Description:
Patent Literatures <NUM> to <NUM> describe optical fiber ribbons in which three or more optical fibers arranged side by side are intermittently connected together (intermittently connected optical fiber ribbons). Also, Patent Literature <NUM> describes achieving an optical fiber with low bending losses by adjusting the material and physical properties of a resin coating the optical fiber.

In order to package a large number of optical fibers into an optical cable with high density, it is desirable that the optical fibers be small in diameter. Meanwhile, because of peripherals of an optical fiber ribbon (e.g., a processing machine such as a fusion splicer and optical connectors such as ferrules), there are constraints on the gaps between the optical fibers (the center-to-center distance between the optical fibers) in the optical fiber ribbon. For this reason, when an optical fiber ribbon is configured using small-diameter optical fibers, the gap between adjacent optical fibers (the center-to-center distance between the optical fibers) is larger than the diameter of the optical fibers, and the outer circumferential portions of the adjacent optical fibers are thus spaced apart from each other.

In an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon thus configured such that the outer circumferential portions of the optical fibers are spaced apart from each other, upon thermal shrinkage of connecting portions intermittently formed in the longitudinal direction, a load is applied to the optical fibers, causing the optical fibers to form a serpentine course, which consequently may increase microbending losses in the optical fibers.

Note that Patent Literatures <NUM> and <NUM> state that the shrinking force of the resin forming the coating member acts on marking and thus increases microbending losses in the optical fibers. However, because the outer circumferential portions of two adjacent optical fibers are in contact with each other in Patent Literatures <NUM> and <NUM>, the optical fibers do not receive a load that causes the optical fibers to form a serpentine course even upon shrinkage of the resin forming the coating member.

PTL <NUM> describes an optical fiber ribbon. The optical fiber ribbon includes first and second optical fibers arranged in parallel, and at least one coupling member made of a resin material. The coupling member couples the first and second optical fibers by adhering the first and second optical fibers each other intermittently in a longitudinal direction of the first and second optical fibers. A breaking elongation of the resin material constituting the coupling member is equal to or more than <NUM>% and equal to or less than <NUM>%.

PTL9 describes a plurality of optical fiber conductors disposed on one line at predetermined intervals and thereafter, a taping resin is applied so as to cover all the surroundings of the optical fiber conductors while including the intervals of the optical fiber conductors. Under a state prior to curing the taping resin, a resin removing member is then inserted between neighboring ones of the optical fiber conductors, and inter-conductor separation portions which become the intervals are formed intermittently in a tape conductor length direction by removing a non-cured resin, thereby forming an inter-conductor concatenation portion between the inter-conductor separation portions. Thereafter, the non-cured resin is cured. A relationship between a separation distance Hd between optical fiber conductors which become neighboring after an application step, and a thickness Wb of the resin removing member is defined as Hd>Wb.

The present invention has an object to reduce microbending losses in optical fibers in an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon configured such that the outer circumferential portions of adjacent optical fibers are spaced apart from each other.

A main aspect of the invention to achieve the above object is an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon comprising: a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a width direction; and connecting portions that intermittently connect two adjacent ones of the optical fibers, wherein a center-to-center distance between two adjacent ones of the optical fibers is greater than a diameter of the optical fibers, and a total of volume shrinkage amounts of the connecting portions per <NUM> meter of a single one of the optical fibers is <NUM><NUM>/m·°C or lower. The total of volume shrinkage amounts of the connecting portions per <NUM> meter of a single one of the optical fibers is a sum total of respective volume shrinkage amounts of the connecting portions included in <NUM> meter of a single one of the optical fibers. The volume shrinkage amount of each of the connecting portions is a value obtained by multiplying a volume of each of the connecting portions by a shrinkage rate of each of the connecting portions per <NUM>.

Other features of the present invention will be demonstrated by the description to be given below and by the drawings.

The present invention can reduce microbending losses in optical fibers in an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon configured such that the outer circumferential portions of adjacent optical fibers are spaced apart from each other.

The description to be given below and the drawings demonstrate at least the following points.

An intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon will become clear, comprising: a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a width direction; and connecting portions that intermittently connect two adjacent ones of the optical fibers, wherein a center-to-center distance between two adjacent ones of the optical fibers is greater than a diameter of the optical fibers, and a total of volume shrinkage amounts of the connecting portions per <NUM> meter of a single one of the optical fibers is <NUM><NUM>/m·°C or lower. The total of volume shrinkage amounts of the connecting portions per <NUM> meter of a single one of the optical fibers is a sum total of respective volume shrinkage amounts of the connecting portions included in <NUM> meter of a single one of the optical fibers. The volume shrinkage amount of each of the connecting portions is a value obtained by multiplying a volume of each of the connecting portions by a shrinkage rate of each of the connecting portions per <NUM>. Thus, when an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon is configured with the outer circumferential portions of adjacent optical fibers being spaced apart from each other, microbending losses in the optical fibers can be reduced.

It is desirable that the single optical fibers are intermittently connected by the connecting portions, and Vf ≤ <NUM><NUM>/m·°C where Vf is the total of volume shrinkage amounts of the connecting portions per <NUM> meter of a single one of the optical fibers and is expressed by Vf = S × A × <NUM> × R, A (/°C) is the shrinkage rate of each of the connecting portions per <NUM>, S (mm<NUM>) is a cross-sectional area of each of the connecting portions, R is a proportion of the connecting portions existing in a longitudinal direction of the optical fibers and expressed by R = (a/p) × <NUM>, p (mm) is a connecting pitch of the connecting portions arranged in the longitudinal direction, and a (mm) is a length of each of the connecting portions. Thus, when an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon is configured in which single optical fibers are intermittently connected, microbending losses in the optical fibers can be reduced.

It is desirable that fiber pairs each formed by two optical fibers are intermittently connected by the connecting portions, and Vf ≤ <NUM><NUM>/m·°C where Vf is the total of volume shrinkage amounts of the connecting portions per <NUM> meter of a single one of the optical fibers and is expressed by Vf = S × A × <NUM> × R, A (/°C) is the shrinkage rate of each of the connecting portions per <NUM>, S (mm<NUM>) is a cross-sectional area of each of the connecting portions, R is a proportion of the connecting portions existing in a longitudinal direction of the optical fibers and expressed by R = (a/p), p (mm) is a connecting pitch of the connecting portions arranged in the longitudinal direction, and a (mm) is a length of each of the connecting portions. Thus, when an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon is configured in which pairs of two optical fibers are intermittently connected, microbending losses in the optical fibers can be reduced.

It is desirable that the diameter of the optical fibers is <NUM> or smaller. In such a case, it is particularly effective when the total of the volume shrinkage amounts of the connecting portions per <NUM> meter of a single optical fiber is <NUM><NUM>/m·°C or lower.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> in which single optical fibers are intermittently connected to one another.

The intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> is an optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of optical fibers <NUM> are arranged side by side and intermittently connected together. Two adjacent optical fibers <NUM> are connected by connecting portions <NUM>. The plurality of connecting portions <NUM> that connect two adjacent optical fibers <NUM> are disposed intermittently in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of connecting portions <NUM> in the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> are intermittently disposed two-dimensionally in the longitudinal direction and the ribbon width direction. The connecting portions <NUM> are formed by applying an ultraviolet light curable resin to serve as an adhesive (a coupling agent) and then curing the resin by application of ultraviolet light. Note that it is also possible to form the connecting portions <NUM> with a thermoplastic resin. A non-connecting portion <NUM> is formed between the connecting portion <NUM> and the connecting portion <NUM> that are intermittently formed in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the connecting portion <NUM> and the non-connecting portion <NUM> are alternately disposed in the longitudinal direction. At the non-connecting portion <NUM>, two adjacent optical fibers are not bound to each other. The non-connecting portion <NUM> is disposed in the ribbon width direction relative to a position where the connecting portion <NUM> is formed. This makes it possible to roll the optical fiber ribbon <NUM> into a bundle and therefore possible to house a large number of optical fibers <NUM> in an optical cable with high density.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a different intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM>. This optical fiber ribbon <NUM> includes a plurality of (six here) pairs of two optical fibers <NUM> connected together continuously in the longitudinal direction (fiber pairs <NUM>), and adjacent fiber pairs <NUM> are connected together intermittently with the connecting portions <NUM>. In this intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> as well, the non-connecting portion <NUM> is disposed in the ribbon width direction of a position where the connecting portion <NUM> is formed. This makes it possible to roll the optical fiber ribbon <NUM> into a bundle. Also, in this intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> as well, the plurality of connecting portions <NUM> connecting adjacent fiber pairs <NUM> are disposed intermittently in the longitudinal direction, and the non-connecting portion <NUM> is formed between the connecting portion <NUM> and the connecting portion <NUM>. In other words, in this intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> as well, the connecting portion <NUM> and the non-connecting portion <NUM> are alternately disposed in the longitudinal direction.

Note that the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> is not limited to the ones shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, the arrangement of the connecting portions <NUM> may be changed, or the number of optical fibers <NUM> may be changed.

<FIG> is a sectional view taken along X-X in <FIG>.

Each optical fiber <NUM> is formed by an optical fiber portion 2A, a coating layer 2B, and a colored layer 2C. The optical fiber portion 2A is formed by a core and a cladding. The diameter of the optical fiber portion 2A (cladding diameter) is, for example, approximately <NUM>. The coating layer 2B is a layer coating the optical fiber portion 2A. The coating layer 2B is formed by, for example, a primary coating layer (a primary coating) and a secondary coating layer (a secondary coating). The colored layer 2C is a layer formed on the surface of the coating layer 2B. The colored layer 2C is formed by application of a coloring material to the surface of the coating layer 2B. A marking may be formed between the coating layer 2B and the colored layer 2C. A coupling agent (ultraviolet light curable resin) is applied to and cured on the surface of the colored layer 2C. It should be noted that in the following description, the "diameter of the optical fiber <NUM>" (or a fiber diameter) means the outer diameter of the colored layer 2C. The connecting portions <NUM> are formed between two optical fibers <NUM> by applying and curing a coupling agent (ultraviolet light curable resin).

In the present embodiment, the center-to-center distance between the optical fibers <NUM> is greater than the diameter of the optical fiber <NUM>. Thus, L > D where L is the center-to-center distance between the optical fibers <NUM> and D is the diameter of the optical fibers <NUM>. When L > D, the outer circumferential surfaces (the surfaces of the colored layers 2C) of two optical fibers <NUM> connected by the connecting portions <NUM> are spaced apart from each other. In other words, C > <NUM> where C is the spacing distance between the outer circumferential surfaces of two optical fibers <NUM> connected by the connecting portions <NUM>. A description will be given later as to the shape and physical properties of the connecting portions <NUM> that connect two spaced-apart optical fibers <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing system <NUM> for manufacturing the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM>. For the simplification of the drawing, the manufacturing system <NUM> described here manufactures a four-fiber optical fiber ribbon.

The manufacturing system <NUM> has fiber supply devices <NUM>, a printing apparatus <NUM>, a coloring apparatus <NUM>, a ribbon forming apparatus <NUM>, and a drum <NUM>.

The fiber supply devices <NUM> are devices (supply sources) that supply the optical fibers <NUM>. Here, the fiber supply device <NUM> supplies a single optical fiber <NUM> (an optical fiber formed by the optical fiber portion 2A and the coating layer 2B; an optical fiber before the formation of the colored layer 2C). Alternatively, the fiber supply device <NUM> may supply a pair of two optical fibers <NUM> (the fiber pair <NUM>). The fiber supply device <NUM> supplies the optical fiber <NUM> to the printing apparatus <NUM>.

The printing apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus that prints a mark on the optical fiber <NUM>. For example, the printing apparatus <NUM> prints a mark indicative of a ribbon number on each optical fiber <NUM>. The plurality of optical fibers <NUM> marked by the printing apparatus <NUM> are supplied to the coloring apparatus <NUM>.

The coloring apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus that forms the colored layers 2C of the optical fibers <NUM>. The coloring apparatus <NUM> forms the colored layer 2C on each of the optical fibers <NUM> with an identification color for identification of the optical fiber <NUM>. Specifically, the coloring apparatus <NUM> has coloring devices (not shown) for the respective optical fibers <NUM>, and the coloring devices each apply a coloring agent (ultraviolet light curable resin) of a predetermined identification color to the surface of the corresponding optical fiber <NUM> (the surface of the coating layer 2B). The coloring apparatus <NUM> also has an ultraviolet light irradiation device (not shown), and the ultraviolet light irradiation device applies ultraviolet light to the coloring agent (the ultraviolet light curable resin) applied to each optical fiber <NUM> and cures the coloring agent, thereby forming the colored layer 2C. The optical fibers <NUM> colored by the coloring apparatus <NUM> are supplied to the ribbon forming apparatus <NUM>. Alternatively, the colored optical fibers <NUM> may be supplied to the ribbon forming apparatus <NUM> from the fiber supply devices.

The ribbon forming apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus that manufactures the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> by forming the connecting portions <NUM> intermittently. Supplied to the ribbon forming apparatus <NUM> are the plurality of optical fibers <NUM> arranged in the width direction. <FIG> are diagrams illustrating the ribbon forming apparatus <NUM>. The ribbon forming apparatus <NUM> has an application device <NUM>, a removal device <NUM>, and light sources <NUM>.

The application device <NUM> is a device that applies a coupling agent. The coupling agent is, for example, an ultraviolet light curable resin, and the connecting portion <NUM> is formed by curing of the coupling agent. The application device <NUM> applies the coupling agent in liquid form to the outer circumferences of the optical fibers <NUM> and to between adjacent ones of the optical fibers <NUM> continuously in the longitudinal direction by inserting the plurality of optical fibers <NUM> through coating dies filled with the liquid coupling agent.

The removal device <NUM> is a device that removes part of the coupling agent applied by the application device <NUM> while leaving part thereof. The removal device <NUM> has rotary blades <NUM> each with a recessed portion 421A (see <FIG>), and rotates the rotary blades <NUM> in conformity with the speed at which the optical fibers <NUM> are supplied. While the coupling agent applied by the application device <NUM> is removed by being blocked by the outer edges of the rotary blades <NUM>, the coupling agent is left unremoved at the recessed portions 421A of the rotary blades <NUM>. The part of the coupling agent left unremoved serves as the connecting portion <NUM> (see <FIG>), and the part of the coupling agent removed serves as the non-connecting portion <NUM>. Thus, the length and arrangement of the connecting portions <NUM> can be adjusted by adjustment of the rotation speed of the rotary blade <NUM> and the size of the recessed portion 421A.

The light sources <NUM> are devices that apply ultraviolet light to the coupling agent formed of the ultraviolet light curable resin. The light sources <NUM> have temporary curing light sources 43A and a full curing light source 43B. The temporary curing light sources 43A are disposed upstream of the full curing light source 43B. The coupling agent temporarily cures when irradiated with ultraviolet light by the temporary curing light sources 43A. The temporarily cured coupling agent is in a state of not being completely cured but being cured at the surface. The full curing light source 43B causes the coupling agent to cure fully by applying stronger ultraviolet light than the temporary curing light sources 43A. The fully cured ultraviolet light curable resin is in a state of being cured all the way through (although the fully cured coupling agent (the connecting portion <NUM>) is moderately elastic, so that the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> can be rolled into a tube).

As shown in <FIG>, the optical fibers <NUM> immediately out of the application device <NUM> and the removal device <NUM> are spaced apart from each other. In this state, the temporary curing light sources 43A apply ultraviolet light to the coupling agent to temporarily cure the coupling agent. After the temporary curing of the coupling agent, the ribbon forming apparatus <NUM> gradually narrows the gaps between the optical fibers <NUM> and arranges the plurality of optical fibers <NUM> side by side, concentrating them into a ribbon form. The coupling agent is already temporarily cured; thus, even if the parts where the coupling agent has been removed (the non-connecting portions <NUM>) come into contact with each other, they do not become connected together. Also, because the coupling agent is yet to be fully cured, the optical fibers <NUM> can be narrowed in gaps (concentrated) even at the regions connected with the coupling agent. Once the coupling agent cures fully by being irradiated with ultraviolet light by the full curing light source 43B, the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> shown in <FIG> is manufactured.

The drum <NUM> is a member that winds up the optical fiber ribbon <NUM> (see <FIG>). The optical fiber ribbon <NUM> manufactured by the ribbon forming apparatus <NUM> is wound up by the drum <NUM>.

<FIG> are conceptual diagrams illustrating the influence of shrinkage of the connecting portions <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating pre-shrunk connecting portions <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating shrunk connecting portions <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> (and <FIG>), in the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM>, the connecting portions <NUM> connecting two adjacent optical fibers <NUM> are disposed intermittently. At the parts where the connecting portions <NUM> are formed, the optical fibers <NUM> are not coated evenly with the resin (coupling agent) for coating the optical fibers <NUM>. Also, since the connecting portions <NUM> are formed intermittently in two-dimensional directions, the connecting portions <NUM> are, as seen from the optical fiber <NUM>, disposed alternately in the ribbon width direction (alternately in the up-down direction in <FIG>) in the longitudinal direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, as already described, the outer circumferential surfaces (the surfaces of the colored layers 2C) of two optical fibers <NUM> connected together by the connecting portions <NUM> are spaced apart from each other.

In the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> configured as shown in <FIG> such that the outer circumferential portions of the optical fibers <NUM> are spaced apart from each other, if the connecting portions <NUM> formed intermittently in the longitudinal direction thermally shrink, a load (lateral pressure) that causes the optical fiber <NUM> to form a serpentine course is exerted on the optical fiber <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, consequently increasing microbending losses in the optical fiber <NUM>. Note that if the outer circumferential portions of two adjacent optical fibers <NUM> are in contact with each other (if the spacing distance C in <FIG> is zero; if the center-to-center distance L between the optical fibers <NUM> is equal to the diameter D of the optical fibers <NUM>), shrinkage of the connecting portions <NUM> is unlikely to cause forming a serpentine course of the optical fibers <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Thus, the problem shown in <FIG> where microbending losses in the optical fibers <NUM> are increased by a load (a load that causes the optical fibers <NUM> to form a serpentine course) is a problem specific to the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> in which the outer circumferential portions of two adjacent optical fibers <NUM> are spaced apart from each other.

In addition, to package a large number of optical fibers <NUM> into an optical cable with high density, it is desirable that the optical fibers <NUM> be small in the diameter D (see <FIG>). Meanwhile, in order to use a fusion splicer used heretofore or to use a multifiber ferrule used heretofore, the center-to-center distance L between the optical fibers <NUM> (see <FIG>) needs to be close to what it is currently. As a result, reduction in the diameter of the optical fibers <NUM> causes the center-to-center distance L between the optical fibers <NUM> to be greater than the diameter D of the optical fibers <NUM> (L > D) and increases the spacing distance C between the outer circumferential surfaces of two optical fibers <NUM> (C > <NUM>). This results in a tendency to increase the amount of resin for the connecting portions <NUM> connecting the two spaced-apart optical fibers <NUM>. Then, the increase in the amount of resin for the connecting portions <NUM> causes more load to be exerted on the optical fibers <NUM> when the connecting portions <NUM> shrink, which may contribute to an increase in microbending losses.

Further, reducing the diameter of the optical fiber <NUM> means reducing the thickness of the coating layer 2B of the optical fiber <NUM>. Thus, reducing the diameter of the optical fiber <NUM> makes the optical fiber portion 2A of the optical fiber <NUM> (see <FIG>) susceptible to the load. To be more specific, reducing the diameter of the optical fiber <NUM> not only increases the load exerted on the optical fiber <NUM> due to the increase in the amount of resin for the connecting portions <NUM>, but also increases the influence on the load (microbending losses) due to the thickness reduction of the coating layer 2B. In other words, when the optical fiber <NUM> is reduced in diameter, microbending losses in the optical fiber <NUM> due to the load shown in <FIG> may increase synergistically.

To reduce microbending losses in the optical fiber <NUM>, it is desirable to reduce the load shown in <FIG> (a load that causes the optical fiber <NUM> to form a serpentine course). Then, it is conceivable that the load exerted on the optical fiber <NUM> (the load shown in <FIG>) is smaller when the cross-sectional area of the connecting portion <NUM> is smaller. It is also conceivable that the load exerted on the optical fiber <NUM> (the load shown in <FIG>) is smaller when the proportion of the connecting portions <NUM> existing in the longitudinal direction is smaller. It is also conceivable that the load exerted on the optical fiber <NUM> (the load shown in <FIG>) is smaller when the thermal shrinkage rate of the connecting portion <NUM> is smaller. Thus, the inventors of the present application focused on a "total of the volume shrinkage amounts of the connecting portions <NUM> per unit length (<NUM>) of a single optical fiber <NUM>" as a parameter having a correlation to the cross-sectional area of the connecting portion <NUM> (a connecting-portion cross-sectional area S), the proportion of the connecting portions <NUM> existing in the longitudinal direction (a connecting proportion R), and the shrinkage rate of the connecting portion <NUM> (a connecting-portion shrinkage rate A). Then, the inventors of the present application have found that microbending losses in the optical fiber <NUM> can be reduced when the "total of the volume shrinkage amounts of the connecting portions <NUM> per unit length (<NUM>) of a single optical fiber <NUM>" is a predetermined value or lower. Specifically, as will be demonstrated in the following examples, microbending losses in the optical fiber <NUM> can be reduced when the "total of the volume shrinkage amounts of the connecting portions <NUM> per unit length (<NUM>) of a single optical fiber <NUM>" is <NUM><NUM>/m·°C or lower.

Note that in the present embodiment, in the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> configured using small-diameter optical fibers <NUM>, the "total of the volume shrinkage amounts of the connecting portions <NUM> per unit length (<NUM>) of a single optical fiber <NUM>" is desirably <NUM><NUM>/m·°C or lower. It is assumed herein that the small-diameter optical fiber <NUM> is one with the diameter D of <NUM> or smaller (a typical optical fiber has a diameter of <NUM>). Thus, in the present embodiment, in the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> configured using the optical fibers <NUM> whose diameter D is <NUM> or smaller such that the center-to-center distance L between the optical fibers <NUM> is greater than the diameter D of the optical fibers <NUM>, the "total of the volume shrinkage amounts of the connecting portions <NUM> per unit length (<NUM>) of a single optical fiber <NUM>" is desirably <NUM><NUM>/m·°C or lower.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating various parameters used in the description of the examples.

In the following description, the number of optical fibers <NUM> as a unit of connecting is referred to as the "connected fiber count n," and n = <NUM> when the connecting unit is a single optical fiber <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and n = <NUM> when the connecting unit is two optical fibers <NUM> (a fiber pair <NUM>) as shown in <FIG>. Thus, using the connected fiber count n, the structure of a <NUM>-fiber intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> can be represented as n fibers × <NUM>/n. The connected fiber count n is n = <NUM> for the case of the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> shown in <FIG> and n = <NUM> for the case of the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In the following description, as shown in <FIG>, p denotes the connecting pitch of the connecting portions <NUM> arranged in the longitudinal direction (or the center-to-center distance between the connecting portions <NUM> in the longitudinal direction), and a denotes the length of each connecting portion <NUM>. Note that a length b of the non-connecting portion <NUM> is b = p - a. In addition, as shown in <FIG>, D is the diameter of the optical fiber <NUM> (fiber diameter), and L is the center-to-center distance between the optical fibers <NUM>, and C is the distance by which the optical fibers <NUM> are spaced apart from each other. Note that in the following examples, the numerical values of the connecting pitch p, the length a of the connecting portion <NUM>, the fiber diameter D, the center-to-center distance L, and the spacing distance C are measured values (actual measurement values).

Also, E denotes the Young's modulus of the connecting portion <NUM>, and A is the rate of shrinkage of the connecting portion <NUM> per <NUM>. Note that in the following examples, the numerical values of the Young's modulus E of the connecting portion <NUM> are each a nominal value of the coupling agent, whereas the numerical values of the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A are each a measured value (actual measurement value). Specifically, the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A is a value calculated as follows. A sample of cured coupling agent (the sample length: <NUM>) is set in a thermomechanical analyzer (Thermomechanical Analyzer TMA7100 manufactured by Hitachi High-Tech Science Corporation) and is measured for a change in length when the temperature is changed from <NUM> to -<NUM> at a rate of <NUM> per minute under application of a constant load (tensile load) of <NUM> mN. Then, based on this measurement result (the amount of displacement of the <NUM>-mm-long sample of the connecting portion <NUM> as a result of the temperature change of <NUM>), the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A is calculated as a rate of change (thermal shrinkage rate) of the connecting portion <NUM> per <NUM>.

In addition, S is the cross-sectional area of the connecting portion <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S. The coupling agent (resin) forming the connecting portions <NUM> may be applied to the entire circumference of the optical fiber <NUM>. Thus, the connecting portions <NUM> are the coupling agent (resin) between two imaginary lines L1, L2 that pass through the respective centers O1, O2 of two optical fibers <NUM> connected by the connecting portions <NUM> and that are parallel to a direction orthogonal to the ribbon width direction (a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the two optical fibers <NUM> are arranged; the thickness direction in <FIG>), and the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S is the area of a region surrounded by the imaginary lines L1, L2, the outer circumferential surfaces of the optical fibers <NUM> (the surfaces of the colored layers 2C), and the outer surface of the coupling agent (the region surrounded by the solid line in <FIG>). Note that in the following examples, the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S is a measured value (actual measurement value). Specifically, the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S is a numerical value obtained by cutting the two optical fibers <NUM> and the connecting portion <NUM> at the connecting portion <NUM>, capturing an image of the cross section using a microscope, and measuring the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S on the captured image using an area calculation program.

Note that the shape of the cross section of the connecting portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> has depressed constrictions at the center portion, so that the surface of the connecting portion <NUM> is depressed. However, the shape of the cross section of the connecting portion <NUM> is not limited to this. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the connecting portion <NUM> may be formed to have a flat surface. In this case as well, the connecting portion <NUM> is the coupling agent (resin) between two imaginary lines L1, L2 that pass through the respective centers O1, O2 of two optical fibers <NUM> connected by the connecting portion <NUM> and that are parallel to a direction orthogonal to the ribbon width direction (a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the two optical fibers <NUM> are arranged; the thickness direction in <FIG>), and the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S is the area of a region surrounded by the imaginary lines L1, L2, the outer circumferential surfaces of the optical fibers <NUM> (the surfaces of the colored layers 2C), and the outer surface of the coupling agent (the region surrounded by the solid line in <FIG>).

In the present embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, after a liquid coupling agent is applied to the outer circumferences of the optical fibers <NUM> and to between the adjacent optical fibers <NUM>, the rotary blade <NUM> having the recessed portion 421A removes part of the coupling agent applied to between the optical fibers <NUM> while leaving part thereof unremoved. For this reason, in the present embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the resin (coupling agent) forming the connecting portions <NUM> is formed on the entire circumferences of the optical fibers <NUM>. However, the shape and manufacturing method of the connecting portions <NUM> are not limited to these. For example, the coupling agent may be applied to between the optical fibers <NUM> using a dispenser to form the coupling agent only on part of the outer circumferences of the optical fibers <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In this case, the surface of the connecting portion <NUM> may be depressed as shown in <FIG>, the surface of the connecting portion <NUM> may be flat as shown in <FIG>, or the surface of the connecting portion <NUM> may be bulgy as shown in <FIG>. In these cases as well, the connecting portion <NUM> is the coupling agent (resin) between two imaginary lines L1, L2 that pass through the respective centers O1, O2 of two optical fibers <NUM> connected by the connecting portion <NUM> and that are parallel to a direction orthogonal to the ribbon width direction (a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the two optical fibers <NUM> are arranged; the thickness direction in <FIG>), and the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S is the area of a region surrounded by the imaginary lines L1, L2, the outer circumferential surfaces of the optical fibers <NUM> (the surfaces of the colored layers 2C), and the outer surface of the coupling agent (the region surrounded by the solid line in <FIG>). Note that in a different manufacturing method of the connecting portion <NUM>, the coupling agent may be cured first, and then part of the connecting portions may be cut off.

The proportion of the connecting portions <NUM> existing in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber <NUM> is referred to as the connecting proportion R. In the examples given below, the connecting proportion R is a value obtained by finding R = (a/p) × (<NUM>/n). Note that in the case of the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the connecting portion <NUM> is formed on both sides of each optical fiber <NUM> in the ribbon width direction, and therefore the connecting proportion R is double the (a/p).

The shrinkage amount of a single connecting portion is referred to as a volume shrinkage amount Vc. In the following examples, the volume shrinkage amount Vc per connecting portion is a value obtained by finding Vc = S × a × A.

Also, Vf is a total of the volume shrinkage amounts of the connecting portions <NUM> per unit length (<NUM>) of a single optical fiber <NUM>. In the following description, the total of the volume shrinkage amounts of the connecting portions <NUM> per unit length (<NUM>) of a single optical fiber <NUM> may be referred to as a "total volume shrinkage amount. " The total volume shrinkage amount Vf can be calculated by finding Vf = Vc × (<NUM>/p) × (<NUM>/n). Thus, the total volume shrinkage amount Vf can also be calculated by finding Vf = S × A × <NUM> × R. As can be understood from this formula, the total volume shrinkage amount Vf is a value calculated based on the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S, the connecting proportion R, and the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A. The smaller the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S, the smaller the total volume shrinkage amount Vf. Also, the smaller the connecting proportion R, the smaller the total volume shrinkage amount Vf. Also, the smaller the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A, the smaller the total volume shrinkage amount Vf.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating examples not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter and a comparative example in which the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S was changed.

As the examples and comparative example, the <NUM>-fiber intermittently connected optical fiber ribbons <NUM> shown in <FIG> were fabricated (n = <NUM>). In all of the examples (and comparative example), the connecting pitch p was <NUM>, and the connecting-portion length a was <NUM>. Note that in all of the examples (and comparative example), the fiber diameter D was <NUM>, the center-to-center distance L was <NUM>, and the spacing distance C was <NUM>.

The connecting proportion R and the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A were common among the examples (and comparative example). Meanwhile, the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S was made different as follows: <NUM><NUM> (Comparative Example <NUM>), <NUM><NUM> (Example 1A, which is not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter), and <NUM><NUM> (Example 1B, which is not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter). As a result, the total volume shrinkage amount Vf was different as follows: <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Comparative Example <NUM>), <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Example 1A), <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Example 1B). In other words, in these examples, the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S was changed to change the total volume shrinkage amount Vf.

To evaluate the examples (and comparative example), an optical cable including the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> of each of the examples (and comparative example) was subject to temperature change in two cycles of a range from -<NUM> to <NUM>, and during that time, the amount of loss fluctuation in the optical fibers <NUM> in the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon <NUM> was measured. Here, the loss fluctuation amount (the maximum value) was rated "GOOD" when being <NUM> dB/km or lower and "POOR" when exceeding <NUM> dB/km. Because Telcordia GR-<NUM>-CORE Issue <NUM> (<NUM>) states performing a cycling test on an optical cable in a range from -<NUM> to <NUM>, stricter conditions than this cycling test were used (temperature change in two cycles in a range from - <NUM> to <NUM>). Also, standards stated in IEC <NUM> (Edition <NUM>, <NUM>) include "<NUM> dB/km or lower," and thus the same loss fluctuation amount as this standard was used as the reference of the evaluation.

In Comparative Example <NUM>, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "POOR. " By contrast, in Example 1A, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "GOOD. " In Example 1B, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "GOOD. " These evaluation results demonstrate that the smaller the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S, the smaller the loss fluctuation amount (dB/km). The evaluation results also demonstrate that the smaller the total volume shrinkage amount Vf, the smaller the loss fluctuation amount (dB/km). Note that the evaluation result was "GOOD (the loss fluctuation amount being <NUM> dB/km or lower)" when the total volume shrinkage amount Vf was <NUM><NUM>/m·°C or lower.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating examples not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter and comparative examples in which the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A (or the connecting-portion Young's modulus E) was changed.

In these examples (and comparative examples) as well, the <NUM>-fiber intermittently connected optical fiber ribbons <NUM> shown in <FIG> were fabricated (n = <NUM>). In all of the examples (and comparative examples), the connecting pitch p was <NUM>, and the connecting-portion length a was <NUM>. Note that in all of the examples (and comparative examples), the fiber diameter D was <NUM>, the center-to-center distance L was <NUM>, and the spacing distance C was <NUM>.

The connecting-portion cross-sectional area S and the connecting proportion R were common among the examples (and comparative examples). Meanwhile, the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A was made different as follows: <NUM> (Comparative Example 2A), <NUM> (Comparative Example 2B), <NUM> (Example 2A, which is not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter), and <NUM> (Example 2B, which is not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter). As a result, the total volume shrinkage amount Vf was different as follows: <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Comparative Example 2A), <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Comparative Example 2B), <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Example 2A), and <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Example 2B). In other words, in these examples, the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A was changed to change the total volume shrinkage amount Vf.

In Comparative Example 2A, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "POOR. " In Comparative Example 2B, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "POOR. " By contrast, in Example 2A, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "GOOD. " In Example 2B, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "GOOD. " These evaluation results demonstrate that the smaller the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A, the smaller the loss fluctuation amount (dB/km). The evaluation results also demonstrate that the smaller the total volume shrinkage amount Vf, the smaller the loss fluctuation amount (dB/km). Note that in these examples and comparative examples as well, the evaluation result was "GOOD (the loss fluctuation amount being <NUM> dB/km or lower)" when the total volume shrinkage amount was <NUM><NUM>/m·°C or lower.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating examples not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter and a comparative example in which the connecting proportion R was changed.

In these examples (and comparative example) as well, the <NUM>-fiber intermittently connected optical fiber ribbons <NUM> shown in <FIG> were fabricated (n = <NUM>). In all of the examples (and comparative example), the fiber diameter D was <NUM>, the center-to-center distance L was <NUM>, and the spacing distance C was <NUM>.

The connecting-portion cross-sectional area S and the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A were common among the examples (and comparative example). Meanwhile, the connecting proportion R was made different as follows: <NUM> (Comparative Example <NUM>), <NUM> (Example 3A, which is not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter), and <NUM> (Example 3B, which is not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter). As a result, the total volume shrinkage amount Vf was different as follows: <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Comparative Example <NUM>), <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Example 3A), and <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Example 3B). In other words, in these examples, the connecting proportion R was changed to change the total volume shrinkage amount Vf.

In Comparative Example <NUM>, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "POOR. " By contrast, in Example 3A, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "GOOD. " In Example 3B, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "GOOD. " These evaluation results demonstrate that the smaller the connecting proportion R, the smaller the loss fluctuation amount (dB/km). The evaluation results also demonstrate that the smaller the total volume shrinkage amount Vf, the smaller the loss fluctuation amount (dB/km). Note that in these examples and comparative example as well, the evaluation result was "GOOD (the loss fluctuation amount being <NUM> dB/km or lower)" when the total volume shrinkage amount was <NUM><NUM>/m·°C or lower.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating examples not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter and comparative examples in which the connecting pitch p and the connecting-portion length a were changed.

In these examples (and comparative examples) as well, the <NUM>-fiber intermittently connected optical fiber ribbons <NUM> shown in <FIG> were fabricated (n = <NUM>). In all of the examples (and comparative examples), the fiber diameter D was <NUM>, the center-to-center distance L was <NUM>, and the spacing distance C was <NUM>.

In these examples (and comparative examples), the connecting pitch p was different as follows: <NUM> (Comparative Example 4A, Example 4A, which is not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter), <NUM> (Comparative Example 4B, Example 4B, which is not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter), and <NUM> (Comparative Example 4C, Example 4C, which is not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter). In addition, the connecting-portion length a was different as follows: <NUM> (Comparative Example 4A, Example 4A), <NUM> (Comparative Example 4B, Example 4B), and <NUM> (Comparative Example 4C, Example 4C). Note, however, that the connecting proportion R was <NUM> and common among the examples and (comparative examples).

The connecting-portion shrinkage rate A and the connecting proportion R were common among the examples (and comparative examples). Meanwhile, the connecting-portion cross-sectional area was different as follows: <NUM><NUM> (Comparative Examples 4A to 4C) and <NUM><NUM> (Examples 4A to 4C) (note that Comparative Examples 4A to 4C had a common connecting-portion cross-sectional area S, and Examples 4A to 4C had a common connecting-portion cross-sectional area S). As a result, the total volume shrinkage amount Vf was different between Comparative Examples and Examples as follows: <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Comparative Examples 4A to 4C) and <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Examples 4A to 4C) (note that Comparative Examples 4A to 4C had a common total volume shrinkage amount Vf, and Examples 4A to 4C had a common total volume shrinkage amount Vf).

In Comparative Examples 4A to 4C, the loss fluctuation amount exceeded <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation results were all "POOR. " In other words, this confirms that when the total volume shrinkage amount Vf exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., <NUM><NUM>/m·°C), even if the connecting pitch p and the connecting-portion length a are changed, the loss fluctuation amount exceeds the predetermined value (<NUM> dB/km), and the evaluation result comes out as "POOR.

By contrast, in Examples 4A to 4C, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km or lower, and therefore the evaluation results were all "GOOD. " In other words, this confirms that when the total volume shrinkage amount Vf is the predetermined value (e.g., <NUM><NUM>/m·°C) or lower, even if the connecting pitch p and the connecting-portion length a are changed, the loss fluctuation amount equals or falls below the predetermined value (<NUM> dB/km), and the evaluation amount comes out as "GOOD.

Note that between Example 4A and Example 4C (or between Comparative Example 4A and Comparative Example 4C), the connecting pitch p and the connecting-portion length a are two or more times different, but their difference in the loss fluctuation amount was very small. By contrast, as shown in the third examples described above (see <FIG>), between Comparative Example <NUM>, Example 3A, and Example 3B, the connecting proportion R is less than two times different, but due to the difference in the connecting proportion R, their difference in the loss fluctuation amount was large. This can confirm that the loss fluctuation amount has a correlation to the connecting proportion R, rather than being affected by the connecting pitch p or the connecting-portion length a (and thus can confirm that the loss fluctuation amount also has a correlation to the total volume shrinkage amount Vf).

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter and comparative examples in which the center-to-center distance L (and the spacing distance C) was changed.

In this example (and comparative examples) as well, the <NUM>-fiber intermittently connected optical fiber ribbons <NUM> shown in <FIG> were fabricated (n = <NUM>). In all of the examples (and comparative examples), the fiber diameter D was <NUM>, the connecting pitch p was <NUM>, and the connecting-portion length was <NUM>.

In these examples (and comparative examples), the center-to-center distance L was different as follows: <NUM> (Comparative Example 5A), <NUM> (Comparative Example 5B), and <NUM> (Example 5A). Due to the difference in the center-to-center distance L, in these examples (and comparative examples), the spacing distance C was different as follows: <NUM> (Comparative Example 5A), <NUM>, (Comparative Example 5B), and <NUM> (Example 5A).

The connecting proportion R and the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A were common among the examples (and comparative examples). Meanwhile, due to the center-to-center distance L (and the spacing distance C) being different, the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S was different as follows: <NUM><NUM> (Comparative Example 5A), <NUM><NUM> (Comparative Example 5B), and <NUM><NUM> (Example 5A, which is not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter). As a result, the total volume shrinkage amount Vf was different as follows: <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Comparative Example 5A), <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Comparative Example 5B), and <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Example 5A). In other words, in these examples, the center-to-center distance L (and the spacing distance C) was changed to change the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S, thereby changing the total volume shrinkage amount Vf.

In Comparative Example 5A, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "POOR. " In Comparative Example 5B, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "POOR. " By contrast, in Example 5A, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "GOOD. " These evaluation results demonstrate that the smaller the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S, the smaller the loss fluctuation amount (dB/km). The evaluation results also demonstrate that the smaller the total volume shrinkage amount Vf, the smaller the loss fluctuation amount (dB/km). Note that in these examples (and comparative examples) as well, the evaluation result was "GOOD (the loss fluctuation amount being <NUM> dB/km or lower)" when the total volume shrinkage amount was <NUM><NUM>/m·°C or lower.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating examples not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter and a comparative example in which the fiber diameter D was changed.

In these examples (and comparative example) as well, the <NUM>-fiber intermittently connected optical fiber ribbons <NUM> shown in <FIG> were fabricated (n = <NUM>). In all of these examples (and comparative example), the connecting pitch p was <NUM>, and the connecting-portion length was <NUM>.

In these examples (and comparative example), the fiber diameter D was different as follows: <NUM> (Comparative Example 6A), <NUM> (Example 6A, which is not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter), and <NUM> (Example 6B, which is not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter). Also, due to the fiber diameter D being different, in these examples (and comparative example), the spacing distance C was different as follows: <NUM> (Comparative Example 6A), <NUM> (Example 6A), and <NUM> (Example 6B). Note that the center-to-center distance L was <NUM> in Comparative Example 6A and Example 6A, but was <NUM> in Example 6B.

The connecting proportion R and the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A were substantially common among the examples (and comparative example). Meanwhile, due to the spacing distance C being different, the connecting-portion cross-sectional area S was different as follows: <NUM> (Comparative Example 6A), <NUM> (Example 6A), and <NUM> (Example 6B). As a result, the total volume shrinkage amount Vf was different as follows: <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Comparative Example 6A), <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Example 6A), and <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Example 6B).

In Comparative Example 6A, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "POOR. " By contrast, in Example 6A, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "GOOD. " In Example 6B, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "GOOD. " These evaluation results demonstrate that the evaluation result was "GOOD (the loss fluctuation amount being <NUM> dB/km or lower)" when the total volume shrinkage amount was <NUM><NUM>/m·°C or lower.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example not according to the claimed subject-matter and comparative examples in which the total volume shrinkage amount Vf was changed with the fiber diameter D being <NUM>.

In these examples (and comparative examples) as well, the <NUM>-fiber intermittently connected optical fiber ribbons <NUM> shown in <FIG> were fabricated (n = <NUM>). In all of these examples (and comparative examples), the connecting pitch p was <NUM>, and the connecting-portion length a was <NUM>. Note that in all of these examples (and comparative examples), the fiber diameter D was <NUM>, the center-to-center distance L was <NUM>, and the spacing distance C was <NUM>.

The connecting-portion cross-sectional area S and the connecting proportion R were common among the examples (comparative examples). Meanwhile, the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A was made different as follows: <NUM> (Comparative Example 7A), <NUM> (Comparative Example 7B), and <NUM> (Example 7A, which is not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter). As a result, the total volume shrinkage amount Vf was different as follows: <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Comparative Example 7A), <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Comparative Example 7B), and <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Example 7A). In other words, in these examples, the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A was changed to change the total volume shrinkage amount Vf.

In Comparative Example 7A, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "POOR. " In Comparative Example 7B, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "POOR. " By contrast, in Example 7A, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "GOOD. " These evaluation results demonstrate that in a case where the fiber diameter D is <NUM>, the smaller the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A, the smaller the loss fluctuation amount (dB/km), as in the case where the fiber diameter is <NUM>. The evaluation results also demonstrate that in a case where the fiber diameter D is <NUM>, the smaller the total volume shrinkage amount Vf, the smaller the loss fluctuation amount (dB/km), as in the case where the fiber diameter is <NUM>. Note that in these examples (and comparative examples) as well, the evaluation result was "GOOD (the loss fluctuation amount being <NUM> dB/km or lower)" when the total volume shrinkage amount was <NUM><NUM>/m·°C or lower.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating examples which are not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter and have the connected fiber count n of <NUM>.

In Examples 8A to 8C, each of which is not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter, the <NUM>-fiber intermittently connected optical fiber ribbons <NUM> shown in <FIG> were fabricated (n = <NUM>). In Examples 8A to 8C, the fiber diameter D was <NUM>, the center-to-center distance L was <NUM>, and the spacing distance C was <NUM>. In Examples 8A to 8C, the connecting pitch p was different as follows: <NUM> (Example 8A), <NUM> (Example 8B), and <NUM> (Example 8C). The connecting-portion length a was also different as follows: <NUM> (Example 8A), <NUM> (Example 8B), and <NUM> (Example 8C). Note, however, that the connecting proportion R was <NUM> and common among Examples 8A to 8C. The connecting-portion cross-sectional area S, the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A, and the connecting proportion R were also common among Examples 8A to 8C. As a result, the total volume shrinkage amount Vf was <NUM><NUM>/m·°C and common among the Examples 8A to 8C. Then, in Examples 8A to 8C, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km or lower, and therefore the evaluation results were all "GOOD. " In other words, this confirms that when the total volume shrinkage amount Vf is a predetermined value or lower (e.g., <NUM><NUM>/m·°C or lower), even if the connecting pitch p and the connecting-portion length a are changed, the loss fluctuation amount equals or falls below <NUM> dB/km, and the evaluation result comes out as "GOOD.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example in accordance with the claimed subject-matter, an example not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter (and a comparative example) in which the total volume shrinkage amount Vf was changed with the connected fiber count n being <NUM>.

In these examples (and comparative example), the <NUM>-fiber intermittently connected optical fiber ribbons <NUM> shown in <FIG> were fabricated (n = <NUM>). In all the examples (and comparative example), the fiber diameter D was <NUM>, the center-to-center distance L was <NUM>, and the spacing distance C was <NUM>.

The connecting-portion cross-sectional area S and the connecting-portion shrinkage rate A were common among the examples (and comparative example). Meanwhile, the connecting proportion R was made different as follows: <NUM> (Comparative Example 9A), <NUM> (Example 9A, which is not in accordance with the claimed subject-matter, according to the claimed subject-matter), and <NUM> (Example 9B, which is in accordance with the claimed subject-matter). As a result, the total volume shrinkage amount Vf was different as follows: <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Comparative Example 9A), <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Example 9A), and <NUM><NUM>/m·°C (Example 9B). In other words, in these examples, the connecting proportion R was changed to change the total volume shrinkage amount Vf.

In Comparative Example 9A, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "POOR. " By contrast, in Example 9A, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "GOOD. " In Example 9B, the loss fluctuation amount was <NUM> dB/km, and therefore the evaluation result was "GOOD. " These evaluation results demonstrate that in a case where the connected fiber count n is <NUM>, the smaller the connecting proportion R, the smaller the loss fluctuation amount (dB/km), as in the case where the connected fiber count n is <NUM>. The evaluation results also demonstrate that in a case where the connected fiber count n is <NUM>, the smaller the total volume shrinkage amount Vf, the smaller the loss fluctuation amount (dB/km), as in the case where the connected fiber count n is <NUM>. Note that in these examples (and comparative example) as well, the evaluation result was "GOOD (the loss fluctuation amount being <NUM> dB/km or lower)" when the total volume shrinkage amount was <NUM><NUM>/m·°C or lower.

Between Example 8A and Example 8C described above and shown in <FIG>, the connecting pitch p and the connecting-portion length a are approximately three times different, but their difference in the loss fluctuation amount was very small because the connecting proportion R and the total volume shrinkage amount Vf were substantially common. By contrast, in the ninth examples (Comparative Example 9A and Examples 9A, 9B), the connecting proportion R and the total volume shrinkage amount Vf were different, and as a result, their difference in the loss fluctuation amount was large. This can confirm that as is apparent from the examples given thus far, the loss fluctuation amount has a correlation to the total volume shrinkage amount Vf, rather than being affected by the connecting pitch p or the connecting-portion length a.

Claim 1:
An intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon (<NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of optical fibers (<NUM>) arranged in a width direction; and
connecting portions (<NUM>) that intermittently connect two adjacent ones of the optical fibers (<NUM>), wherein
a center-to-center distance between two adjacent ones of the optical fibers (<NUM>) is greater than a diameter of the optical fibers (<NUM>),
characterized in that a total of volume shrinkage amounts (Vf) of the connecting portions (<NUM>) per <NUM> meter of a single one of the optical fibers (<NUM>) is <NUM><NUM>/m·°C or lower,
wherein
the total of volume shrinkage amounts (Vf) of the connecting portions (<NUM>) per <NUM> meter of a single one of the optical fibers (<NUM>) is a sum total of respective volume shrinkage amounts (Vc) of the connecting portions (<NUM>) included in <NUM> meter of a single one of the optical fibers (<NUM>), and
the volume shrinkage amount (Vc) of each of the connecting portions (<NUM>) is a value obtained by multiplying a volume of each of the connecting portions (<NUM>) by a shrinkage rate (A) of each of the connecting portions (<NUM>) per <NUM>.