Low-loss single-mode fiber development and splicing research in Japan

This paper introduces the recent development of single-mode optical fiber in Japan, with emphasis laid on experimental studies. A successful trial production of a 0.2 dB/km single-mode fiber (1.55 μm) by the MCVD method, a study on glass compositions of such very low-loss single-mode fiber suitable for mass production and a study of zero-dispersion fiber at the 1.5μm band are described. The paper further contains news about the success in trial manufacture of a continuous 100 km long single-mode fiber by the VAD method and gives a brief description of single-mode fiber splicing, centering on a fusion method, now under development.