Optical cable with identifiable optical fibers

Abstract

An optical fiber includes an optically transmissive element; at least one curable colored layer surrounding the optically transmissive element; and an additional removable colored layer surrounding and homogeneously covering the curable colored layer. The presence of the additional removable colored layer improves identifiability of the fiber, especially when the latter is included in an optical cable together with other fibers.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . An optical fiber comprising:
 an optically transmissive element;   at least one curable colored layer surrounding the optically transmissive element; and   an additional removable colored layer surrounding and homogeneously covering the curable colored layer, wherein the removable colored layer is an external ink layer or a solvent-based ink.   
     
     
         20 . The optical fiber of  claim 19 , wherein the removable colored layer is removable by one or more of solvent or scratching. 
     
     
         21 . A method for identifying an optical fiber in an optical cable, comprising:
 providing at least two optical fibers comprising an optically transmissive element, at least one curable colored layer surrounding the optically transmissive element, and an additional removable colored layer surrounding and homogeneously covering the colored layer, said two optical fibers having the additional removable colored layer of a same color and differing in color from the at least one curable colored layer, wherein the removable colored layer is an external ink layer or a solvent-based ink;   accessing the optical fibers; and   removing by one or more of solvent or scratching the additional removable colored layer of an optical fiber to make the color of the curable colored layer visible.