Undersea Optic Fiber Cable-Design of a Physical Testing Program

Simplex Wire and Cable Co., under contract to Bell Laboratories, has developed and manufactured an experimental undersea fiber optic cable. The proof of this successfully manufactured cable design now lies in the testing program. The physical testing program has been designed by considering these three predominant concepts: the effect of cable design on fiber transmission, the effect of handling and laying of the cable, and the effect of the environmental medium on the cable. These concepts, coupled with the application of ocean cable experience, has resulted in a testing program which duplicates adequately the rigors of installation in a deep sea environment. The major test-machine modifications and design of new facilities are presented.