LEAF Optical Fiber

The third generation of LEAF optical fiber offers a fiber polarization mode dispersion (PMD) specification that is improved by 50 percent over previous generations. This enhancement enables carriers to increase the maximum transmission distance and data rates of long-haul networks without PMD compensation or signal regeneration, and will better enable emerging 40 gigabit transport systems at less cost.

By reducing the fiber PMD specification to half of its previous amount prior to cabling, this latest generation of can enable network designers to increase the distance of their networks without signal regeneration or PMD compensation. Because PMD is a factor in high-data-rate transmission, this new fiber, with its lowered PMD specification, supports emerging 40 gigabit transport systems at less cost than existing transport systems. This latest generation lowers the PMD link value to less than or equal to 0.04 ps/sqrt(km) with a 0.1 ps/sqrt(km) for maximum fiber PMD.

The fiber, with its larger effective area, allows higher levels of power to be transmitted through the fiber than standard NZ-DSFs, while minimizing the occurrence of nonlinear effects that can degrade overall system performance. This large effective area advantage offers carriers greater bandwidth potential, longer optical reach and overall increased cost efficiency.

Corning Inc., Advanced Materials, Houghton Park C Bldg-08, Corning, NY 14831. Tel: 607-974-7697; Fax: 607-974-7618.