Optical fiber and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

An optical fiber includes a core, and a clad surrounding an outer circumference of the core, in which a first relative refractive index difference Δ1a is greater than 0, a second relative refractive index difference Δ1b is greater than 0, the first relative refractive index difference Δ1a is greater than the second relative refractive index difference Δ1b, the first relative refractive index difference Δ1a and the second relative refractive index difference Δ1b satisfy a relationship denoted by the following expression: 0.20≦(Δ1a−Δ1b)/Δ1a≦0.88, and a refractive index profile Δ of the core in an entire region of a section of 0≦r≦r1 as a function Δ(r) of a distance r from a center of the core in the radial direction is denoted by the following expression: Δ(r)=Δ1a−(Δ1a−Δ1b)r/r1.

Claims

1. An optical fiber, comprising: a core; and a clad surrounding an outer circumference of the core, the clad comprising an inner cladding layer adjacent to the outer circumference of the core and an outer cladding layer formed on an outer circumference of the inner cladding layer, wherein when a radius of the core is r1, a relative refractive index difference between a center of the core and the clad is a first relative refractive index difference Δ1a, and a relative refractive index difference between a position in which a distance from the center of the core in a radial direction is r1 and the clad is a second relative refractive index difference Δ1b, the first relative refractive index difference Δ1a is greater than 0, the second relative refractive index difference Δ1b is greater than 0, the first relative refractive index difference Δ1a is greater than the second relative refractive index difference Δ1b, the first relative refractive index difference Δ1a and the second relative refractive index difference Δ1b satisfy a relationship denoted by the following expression:
0.20≦(Δ1a−Δ1b)/Δ1a≦0.88, a refractive index profile Δ of the core in an entire region of a section of 0≦r≦r1 as a function Δ(r) of a distance r from the center of the core in the radial direction is denoted by the following expression:
Δ(r)=Δ1a−(Δ1a−Δ1b)r/r1, when a minimum refractive index of the inner cladding layer is Δ2min and a refractive index of the outer cladding layer is Δ3, the minimum refractive index of the inner cladding layer Δ2min and the refractive index of the outer cladding layer Δ3 satisfy a relationship denoted by the following expression:
0.01%<|Δ2min−Δ3|<0.03%, and a ratio r1/r2 of the radius r1 of the core to a radius r2 of the inner cladding layer is in a range denoted by the following expression:
0.2≦r1/r2≦0.5.

2. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein the first relative refractive index difference Δ1a satisfies a relationship of 0.35%<Δ1a≦0.50%.

3. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein the second relative refractive index difference Δ1b satisfies a relationship of 0.06%≦Δ1b<0.35%.

4. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein the radius r1 satisfies a relationship of 4.50 μm<r1≦6.25 μm.

5. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein a value of a bending loss at a wavelength of 1550 nm and a bending radius of 15 mm is less than or equal to 0.102 dB/10 turns.

6. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein the first relative refractive index difference Δ1a and the second relative refractive index difference Δ1b satisfy a relationship denoted by the following expression:
0.42≦(Δ1a−Δ1b)/Δ1a≦0.88.

7. The optical fiber according to claim 6, wherein a value of a bending loss at a wavelength of 1550 nm and a bending radius of 15 mm is less than or equal to 0.055 dB/10 turns.

8. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein a cable cut-off wavelength is less than or equal to 1260 nm.

9. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein a mode field diameter MFD at a wavelength of 1310 nm is in a range of 8.2 μm≦MFD≦9.9 μm.

10. A manufacturing method of the optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein glass configuring the core, or a part of glass configuring the core and glass configuring the clad, is prepared by an outside vapor deposition method or a chemical vapor deposition method at the time of preparing a preform of the optical fiber.

11. An optical fiber, comprising: a core; and a clad surrounding an outer circumference of the core, the clad comprising an inner cladding layer adjacent to the outer circumference of the core, a trench adjacent to an outer circumference of the inner cladding layer, and an outer cladding layer formed on an outer circumference of the trench, wherein when a radius of the core is r1, a relative refractive index difference between a center of the core and the clad is a first relative refractive index difference Δ1a, and a relative refractive index difference between a position in which a distance from the center of the core in a radial direction is r1 and the clad is a second relative refractive index difference Δ1b, the first relative refractive index difference Δ1a is greater than 0, the second relative refractive index difference Δ1b is greater than 0, the first relative refractive index difference Δ1a is greater than the second relative refractive index difference Δ1b, the first relative refractive index difference Δ1a and the second relative refractive index difference Δ1b satisfy a relationship denoted by the following expression:
0.20≦(Δ1a−Δ1b)/Δ1a≦0.88, a refractive index profile Δ of the core in an entire region of a section of 0≦r≦r1 as a function Δ(r) of a distance r from the center of the core in the radial direction is denoted by the following expression:
Δ(r)=Δ1a−(Δ1a−Δ1b)r/r1, when a maximum refractive index of the core is Δ1max, a refractive index of the inner cladding layer is Δ2, a minimum refractive index of the trench is Δ3min, and a refractive index of the outer cladding layer is Δ4, the maximum refractive index of the core Δ1max, the refractive index of the inner cladding layer Δ2, the minimum refractive index of the trench Δ3min, and the refractive index of the outer cladding layer Δ4 satisfy a relationship denoted by the following expression:
Δ1max>Δ2>Δ3min,
Δ1max>Δ4>Δ3min, and
0.01%<(Δ4−Δ3min)<0.03%, a ratio r2/r1 of a radius r2 of the inner cladding layer to the radius r1 of the core is in a range denoted by the following expression:
1≦r2/r1≦5, and a ratio r3/r2 of a radius r3 of the trench to the radius r2 of the inner cladding layer is in a range denoted by the following expression:
1<r3/r2≦2.

12. A manufacturing method of the optical fiber according to claim 11, wherein glass configuring the core, or a part of glass configuring the core and glass configuring the clad, is prepared by an outside vapor deposition method or a chemical vapor deposition method at the time of preparing a preform of the optical fiber.

13. An optical fiber, comprising: a core; and a clad surrounding an outer circumference of the core, wherein when a radius of the core is r1, a relative refractive index difference between a center of the core and the clad is a first relative refractive index difference Δ1a, and a relative refractive index difference between a position in which a distance from the center of the core in a radial direction is r1 and the clad is a second relative refractive index difference Δ1b, the first relative refractive index difference Δ1a is greater than 0, the second relative refractive index difference Δ1b is greater than 0, the first relative refractive index difference Δ1a is greater than the second relative refractive index difference Δ1b, the first relative refractive index difference Δ1a and the second relative refractive index difference Δ1b satisfy a relationship denoted by the following expression:
0.20≦(Δ1a−Δ1b)/Δ1a≦0.88, a refractive index profile Δ of the core in an entire region of a section of 0≦r≦r1 as a function Δ(r) of a distance r from the center of the core in the radial direction is denoted by the following expression:
Δ(r)=Δ1a−(Δ1a−Δ1b)r/r1, the first relative refractive index difference Δ1a satisfies a relationship of 0.48%<Δ1a≦0.50%, an acute angle is defined by the following expression: $A=\frac{\Delta 1a-\Delta 1b}{\Delta 1a},\mathrm{and}$ the acute angle is in a range of 70% to 88%.

14. A manufacturing method of the optical fiber according to claim 12, wherein glass configuring the core, or a part of glass configuring the core and glass configuring the clad, is prepared by an outside vapor deposition method or a chemical vapor deposition method at the time of preparing a preform of the optical fiber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an OTDR waveform observed at the time of connecting optical fibers having different MFD.

(2) FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a refractive index profile of an optical fiber according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an acute angle.

(4) FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an α value.

(5) FIG. 5A is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an acute angle.

(6) FIG. 5B is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an acute angle.

(7) FIG. 5C is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an acute angle.

(8) FIG. 5D is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an acute angle.

(9) FIG. 5E is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an acute angle.

(10) FIG. 5F is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an acute angle.

(11) FIG. 5G is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an acute angle.

(12) FIG. 5H is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an acute angle.

(13) FIG. 5I is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an acute angle.

(14) FIG. 6A is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an α value.

(15) FIG. 6B is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an α value.

(16) FIG. 6C is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an α value.

(17) FIG. 6D is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an α value.

(18) FIG. 6E is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an α value.

(19) FIG. 6F is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an α value.

(20) FIG. 6G is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an α value.

(21) FIG. 6H is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an α value.

(22) FIG. 6I is a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an α value.

(23) FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of dependency of an α value with respect to a bending loss.

(24) FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of dependency of an acute angle with respect to a bending loss.

(25) FIG. 9 is a sectional view schematically showing an optical fiber according to a second embodiment.

(26) FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a refractive index profile of the optical fiber shown in FIG. 9.

(27) FIG. 11 is a sectional view schematically showing an optical fiber according to a third embodiment.

(28) FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a refractive index profile of the optical fiber shown in FIG. 11.

(29) FIG. 13 is a sectional view schematically showing an optical fiber according to a fourth embodiment.

(30) FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a refractive index profile of the optical fiber shown in FIG. 13.

(31) FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing a refractive index profile of an optical fiber according to a fifth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(32) Hereinafter, the present invention will be described on the basis of preferred embodiments.

(33) FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a refractive index profile of an optical fiber according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The optical fiber according to this embodiment includes a core disposed in the center portion of the optical fiber, and a clad surrounding the outer circumference of the core. In general, the clad is concentric with respect to the core, but the clad and the core are able to be eccentric within an acceptable range.

(34) In FIG. 2, r1 indicates the radius of the core. A left end of the range of r1 indicates a center position of the core, and a right end of the range of r1 indicates an outer circumference position of the core. Δ1a (a first relative refractive index difference) indicates a relative refractive index difference in the center of the core, and Mb (a second relative refractive index difference) indicates a relative refractive index difference in the outer circumference of the core. A relative refractive index difference of Δ1a and Δ1b indicates a relative refractive index difference based on the refractive index of the clad. A range in which a distance from the center of the core is less than or equal to r1 indicates the core, the outside of the range of r1 (in FIG. 2, a position in which the distance from the center of the core is greater than r1) indicates the clad. In the clad, the relative refractive index difference is 0.

(35) A refractive index profile Δ of the core of the optical fiber according to this embodiment is denoted by Expression [1] described below in the entire region of a section of 0≦r≦r1 as a function Δ(r) of a distance r from the center of the core in a radial direction.

(36) $\begin{array}{cc}\Delta \left(r\right)=\mathrm{\Delta 1}a-\frac{\mathrm{\Delta 1}a-\mathrm{\Delta 1}b}{r1}r& \left[1\right]\end{array}$

(37) Here, in Expression [1], the relative refractive index difference (the first relative refractive index difference) Δ1a is greater than the relative refractive index difference (the second relative refractive index difference) Δ1b. That is, the refractive index in the center of the core is greater than the refractive index in the outer circumference of the core. In addition, in general, in the optical fiber which guides light according to a difference between the refractive indices of the core and the clad, it is necessary that the relative refractive index difference Δ1a be greater than 0. This indicates that the refractive index in the center of the core is greater than the refractive index in the clad.

(38) Herein, a parameter such as an “acute angle” is introduced. The “acute angle” of the optical fiber according to this embodiment is represented by a symbol A, and is defined as Expression [2] described below.

(39) $\begin{array}{cc}A=\frac{\mathrm{\Delta 1}a-\mathrm{\Delta 1}b}{\mathrm{\Delta 1}a}& \left[2\right]\end{array}$

(40) FIG. 3 shows a refractive index profile in a case of changing the acute angle of the optical fiber according to this embodiment in units of 20% from 0% to 100%. In a case where Δ1a is identical to Δ1b, an acute angle A is 0%, and the refractive index profile returns to a step type refractive index profile. In addition, in a case where Δ1b is identical to 0, the acute angle A is 100%. In a case where the acute angle is 0%, the refractive index profile has a “quadrangle shape”, and in a case where the acute angle is 100%, the refractive index profile has a “triangular shape”. In contrast, in a refractive index profile having a “pentagonal shape” exemplified in FIG. 2, the refractive index profile not only is denoted by Expression [1], but also satisfies a relationship of Δ1a>Δ1b>0. In this case, the acute angle is greater than 0% and less than 100%.

(41) Next, an α-th power distribution will be described in order to be compared to the refractive index profile having a “pentagonal shape”. In general, a refractive index profile of an α-th power distribution of the optical fiber according to this embodiment is denoted by Expression [3] described below.

(42) $\begin{array}{cc}n\left(r\right)=\{\begin{array}{cc}{n_1\left[1-2{\Delta \left(r/a\right)}^{\alpha }\right]}^{1/2}& \left(0\le r\le a\right)\\ n_0& \left(r\ge a\right)\end{array}& \left[3\right]\end{array}$

(43) In Expression [3], n.sub.1 represents the refractive index in the center of the core, n.sub.0 represents the refractive index of the clad, Δ represents the relative refractive index difference in the center of the core based on the clad, r represents the distance from the center of the core in the radial direction, and a represents the radius of the core. The relative refractive index difference Δ is defined by Δ=(n.sub.1.sup.2−n.sub.0.sup.2)/2n.sub.1.sup.2. For this reason, n.sub.0, n.sub.1, and A have a relationship of n.sub.0=n.sub.1(1−2Δ).sup.1/2.

(44) In addition, FIG. 4 shows a refractive index profile in a case of changing an α value from 1 to ∞ in the α-th power distribution. A case where α is 1 corresponds to a case where the acute angle is 100% in Expression [1], and a case where α is co corresponds to a case where the acute angle is 0% in Expression [1].

(45) The effect of the optical fiber according to this embodiment will be described. Light is not able to be guided through the core of the optical fiber due to a change in the refractive index profile which is induced at the time of bending the optical fiber, the light is radiated to the clad, and thus, a bending loss of the optical fiber occurs. In order to reduce the bending loss, it is important to suppress a light leakage with respect to the clad. For this reason, it is considered that it is effective for concentrating a distribution of the light guided through the optical fiber on the center portion of the core in advance and to suppress the light leakage with respect to the clad.

(46) In order to concentrate the distribution of the light on the center portion of the core, (a) a refractive index profile is preferable in which the refractive index gradually decreases from the center portion of the core to the clad. However, when the relative refractive index difference between the core and the clad is small, the light leakage easily occurs in the clad. Therefore, in order to suppress the light leakage with respect to the clad, it is preferable that (b) a relative refractive index difference of an outer circumference portion of the core based on the clad increase. In order to reduce the bending loss, it is preferable to have two characteristics of (a) and (b) in combination. It is considered that the refractive index profile having a pentagonal shape has two characteristics of (a) and (b) in combination, and thus, is effective for reducing the bending loss.

(47) In order to obtain the effect of reducing the bending loss, it is more preferable to have the following characteristics.

(48) The range of the acute angle A defined by Expression [2] described above is preferably 0.20≦A≦0.88, and is more preferably 0.42≦A≦0.88.

(49) It is preferable that the range of the relative refractive index difference Δ1a of the core center be 0.35%<Δ1a 0.50%.

(50) It is preferable that the range of the relative refractive index difference Mb of the core outer circumference be 0.06% Δ1b<0.35%.

(51) It is preferable that the range of the core radius r1 be 4.50 μm<r1≦6.25 μm.

(52) The range of the bending loss at a wavelength of 1550 nm and a bending radius of 15 mm is preferably less than or equal to 0.102 dB/10 turns (less than or equal to 0.102 dB per 10 turns), and is more preferably less than or equal to 0.055 dB/10 turns (less than or equal to 0.055 dB per 10 turns).

(53) It is preferable that the range of the cable cut-off wavelength be less than or equal to 1260 nm.

(54) It is preferable that the range of the mode field diameter MFD at a wavelength of 1310 nm be 8.2 μm≦MFD≦9.9 μm.

(55) The optical fiber according to this embodiment is able to be manufactured by preparing an optical fiber preform by a known preform preparation method such as a vapor-phase axial deposition method, an outside vapor deposition method, and a chemical vapor deposition method, and then, by drawing a optical fiber from the optical fiber preform. Examples of the preparation method of the optical fiber preform include a method in which glass configuring at least the core is prepared by an outside vapor deposition method or a chemical vapor deposition method, and a remaining glass portion is further prepared by deposition of silica (SiO.sub.2) glass, a jacket of a silica tube, and the like. At this time, the portion prepared by the outside vapor deposition method or the chemical vapor deposition method may be only (a part or all of) the glass configuring the core, or may include a part of glass configuring the clad in addition to the glass configuring the core. The size of the optical fiber is not particularly limited, and examples of the diameter of the clad include 125 μm, 80 μm, and the like. In the optical fiber after the drawing, one or two or more layers of coating materials such as a resin may be laminated on the outer circumference of the clad.

(56) As described above, the first embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the first embodiment is an example of the present invention, and addition, omission, substitution, and other changes are able to be performed without departing from the range of the present invention.

(57) Examples of a dopant used for manufacturing a silica-based optical fiber include germanium (Ge), phosphorus (P), fluorine (F), boron (B), aluminum (Δ1), and the like. Two or more types of dopants may be used for manufacturing the silica-based optical fiber. In an example of the composition of the core and the clad, a core material includes Ge added silica, and a clad material includes pure silica.

(58) The expression of the refractive index profile denoted by Expression [1] indicates a distribution on design. When an actual optical fiber is prepared, it is assumed that a fluctuation (a manufacturing error) in the refractive index profile due to manufacturing factors occurs. The optical fiber according to the first embodiment may satisfy the characteristics such as Expression [1] within a range of an acceptable error on manufacturing. In a case where a fluctuation in the refractive index profile of the outer circumference portion of the core is large, the optical fiber according to the first embodiment may satisfy the characteristics such as Expression [1] or the like, for example, within a range where the distance from the center of the core is less than or equal to 90% (or less than or equal to 95% or the like) of the radius of the core. In a case where the outer circumference portion of the core is excluded from a calculation range of Expression [1], the relative refractive index difference Δ1b may not be the relative refractive index difference of the outer circumference of the actual core, but may be a virtual value for describing the refractive index profile on the inside of the core from the outer circumference.

(59) Hereinafter, a second embodiment and a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(60) FIG. 9 shows schematic configuration of an optical fiber 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

(61) The optical fiber 10 includes a core 1 disposed on the center portion, and a clad 4 disposed on the outer circumference side (the outer circumference) of the core 1 to be concentric with the core 1.

(62) The clad 4 includes an inner cladding layer 2 adjacent to the outer circumference side (the outer circumference) of the core 1, and an outer cladding layer 3 formed on the outer circumference side (the outer circumference) of the inner cladding layer 2.

(63) FIG. 10 schematically shows a refractive index profile of the optical fiber 10.

(64) The refractive index of the core 1 is defined as Δ1, and the maximum refractive index of the core 1 is defined as Δ1max.

(65) The refractive index of the inner cladding layer 2 is defined as Δ2, and the minimum refractive index of the inner cladding layer 2 is defined as Δ2min.

(66) The refractive index of the outer cladding layer 3 is defined as Δ3.

(67) The maximum refractive index Δ1max of the core 1 is the refractive index of the core 1 which is maximized in a diameter direction range from the center of the core 1 to the outer circumference of the core 1. In the refractive index profile shown in FIG. 10, the refractive index Δ1 of the core 1 is constant without depending on the position in the diameter direction, and thus, the refractive index Δ1 is identical to the maximum refractive index Δ1max in the entire range.

(68) The minimum refractive index Δ2min of the inner cladding layer 2 is the refractive index of the inner cladding layer 2 which is minimized in a diameter direction range from the inner circumference of the inner cladding layer 2 to the outer circumference of the inner cladding layer 2. In the refractive index profile shown in FIG. 10, the refractive index Δ2 of the inner cladding layer 2 is constant without depending on the position in the diameter direction, and thus, the refractive index Δ2 is identical to the minimum refractive index Δ2min in the entire range.

(69) In the optical fiber 10, Expression [4] described below is established.
Δ1max>Δ2min and Δ1max>Δ3  [4]

(70) As shown in Expression [4], the maximum refractive index Δ1max of the core 1 is greater than the minimum refractive index Δ2min of the inner cladding layer 2 and the refractive index Δ3 of the outer cladding layer 3.

(71) In addition, in the optical fiber 10, the minimum refractive index Δ2min of the inner cladding layer 2 is less than the refractive index Δ3 of the outer cladding layer 3.

(72) In the optical fiber 10, Expression [5] described below is further established.
0.01%<|Δ2min−Δ3|<0.03%  [5]

(73) Expression [5] indicates that the absolute value of a difference between the minimum refractive index Δ2min of the inner cladding layer 2 and the refractive index Δ3 of the outer cladding layer 3 is greater than 0.01% and less than 0.03%.

(74) When the absolute value of the difference between Δ2min and Δ3 is excessively small, the bending loss may not be sufficiently reduced. In contrast, when the absolute value of the difference between Δ2min and Δ3 is excessively large, the mode field diameter decreases, and a connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber (for example, a general single mode optical fiber (SSMF)) may increase.

(75) In the optical fiber 10, it is possible to reduce the bending loss by setting the absolute value of the difference between Δ2min and Δ3 to be greater than 0.01%. In addition, it is possible to optimize the mode field diameter (MFD) and to suppress the connection loss to be low at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber by setting the absolute value of the difference between Δ2min and Δ3 to be less than 0.03%.

(76) In the optical fiber 10 of the second embodiment, Expression [1A] described below is established with respect to a magnitude relationship of Δ1max, Δ2min, and Δ3.
Δ1max>Δ3>Δ2min  [1A]

(77) As shown in Expression [1A], the maximum refractive index Δ1max of the core 1 is greater than the refractive index Δ3 of the outer cladding layer 3.

(78) The refractive index Δ3 of the outer cladding layer 3 is greater than the minimum refractive index Δ2min of the inner cladding layer 2.

(79) Δ3 is greater than Δ2min, and thus, Expression [5] described above is able to be described as follows.
0.01%<(Δ3−Δ2min)<0.03%  [2A]

(80) Expression [2A] indicates that a difference between the refractive index Δ3 of the outer cladding layer 3 and the minimum refractive index Δ2min of the inner cladding layer 2 is greater than 0.01% and less than 0.03%.

(81) The outer circumferential radii of the core 1, the inner cladding layer 2, and the outer cladding layer 3 are respectively defined as r1, r2, and r3.

(82) The outer circumference radius r1 of the core 1, the outer circumferential radius r2 of the inner cladding layer 2, and the outer circumferential radius r3 of the outer cladding layer 3 have a relationship denoted by Expression [6] described below.
r1<r2<r3  [6]

(83) A ratio r1/r2 of the outer circumference radius r1 of the core 1 to the outer circumferential radius r2 of the inner cladding layer 2 is in a range denoted by

(84) Expression [7] described below.
0.2≦r1/r2≦0.5  [7]

(85) When r1/r2 is excessively small, the mode field diameter decreases, the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber (for example, SSMF) may increase. In contrast, when r1/r2 is excessively large, the bending loss may increase.

(86) In the optical fiber 10, r1/r2 is adjusted to be greater than or equal to 0.2, and thus, the mode field diameter is able to be optimized, and the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber is able to be suppressed to be low. r1/r2 is adjusted to be less than or equal to 0.5, and thus, the bending loss is able to be reduced.

(87) In the optical fiber 10, a cut-off wavelength λc.sub.22m of 22 m is adjusted to be less than or equal to 1260 nm.

(88) That is, Expression [8] described below is established.
λ.sub.22m≦1260 nm  [8]

(89) Accordingly, the regulation of ITU-T Recommendation G.652 is able to be satisfied.

(90) The cut-off wavelength λ.sub.22m, for example, is able to be measured by a measurement method disclosed in ITU-T Recommendation G.650.

(91) In the optical fiber 10, the refractive index and the outer circumferential radius described above are adjusted, and thus, the mode field diameter (MFD) at a wavelength of 1310 nm is greater than or equal to 8.6 μm and less than or equal to 9.5 μm. That is, Expression [9] described below is established.
8.6 μm≦MFD≦9.5 μm  [9]

(92) The mode field diameter is in the range of Expression [9], and thus, the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber (for example, SSMF) is able to be suppressed to be low.

(93) In the optical fiber 10, the mode field diameter is in the range of Expression [9], and thus, the regulation of ITU-T G.652 is satisfied.

(94) In the optical fiber 10, it is preferable that a loss increase at a wavelength of 1550 nm at the time of winding the optical fiber 10 around a cylindrical mandrel having a diameter of 15 mm 10 times be less than or equal to 0.25 dB.

(95) In addition, it is preferable that the loss increase at a wavelength of 1625 nm at the time of winding the optical fiber 10 around the cylindrical mandrel having a diameter of 15 mm 10 times be less than or equal to 1.0 dB.

(96) The core 1, for example, is able to be configured of silica glass of which the refractive index increases by adding a dopant such as germanium (Ge).

(97) The inner cladding layer 2, for example, is able to be configured of silica glass of which the refractive index decreases by adding a dopant such as fluorine (F). The inner cladding layer 2, for example, may be configured of silica glass of which the refractive index increases by adding a dopant such as chlorine (Cl).

(98) The outer cladding layer 3, for example, is able to be configured of pure silica glass. In the outer cladding layer 3, the refractive index may be adjusted by adding a dopant (for example, Ge, F, and the like).

(99) Each layer configuring the optical fiber 10 is able to be formed by a known method such as a modified chemical vapor deposition method, a plasma chemical vapor deposition method, a vapor-phase axial deposition method, and an outside vapor deposition method, or a combination thereof

(100) For example, in a case where the modified chemical vapor deposition method is adopted, the optical fiber preform is able to be prepared as follows.

(101) A glass deposition layer which becomes the inner cladding layer 2 is formed on the inside of a silica glass tube (for example, a glass tube formed of pure silica glass) which becomes the outer cladding layer 3, for example, by using a raw material containing a dopant such as fluorine (F). The refractive index of the inner cladding layer 2 is able to be adjusted by the added amount of the dopant.

(102) Next, a glass deposition layer which becomes the core 1 is formed on the inside of the glass deposition layer, for example, by using a raw material containing a dopant such as germanium (Ge). Furthermore, the core 1 is able to be formed by using a core rod which is separately prepared.

(103) The silica glass tube in which the glass deposition layer is formed becomes the optical fiber preform through a transparency step, a solidification step, and the like. The optical fiber preform is subjected to fiber drawing, and thus, the optical fiber 10 shown in FIG. 9 is able to be obtained.

(104) The chemical vapor deposition method is preferable from the viewpoint of accurately adjusting the refractive index profile by adding a dopant.

(105) The vapor-phase axial deposition method and the outside vapor deposition method are also able to be applied to manufacture the optical fiber 10. The vapor-phase axial deposition method and the outside vapor deposition method have advantages such as high productivity.

(106) In the optical fiber 10, a difference in the refractive indices between the inner cladding layer 2 and the outer cladding layer 3 is in the range described above (refer to Expression [5]), and a ratio of the outer circumferential radius of the core 1 and the outer circumferential radius of the inner cladding layer 2 in the range described above (refer to Expression [7]), and thus, the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber is able to be suppressed to be low, and the bending loss is able to be reduced.

(107) It has been known that the refractive index of the clad in a portion close to the core considerably affects optical properties of the optical fiber, but as a result of intensive studies of the present inventor, a refractive index profile has been found in which the bending loss is able to be reduced without decreasing the mode field diameter.

(108) By adopting the refractive index profile, the optical fiber 10 has technical meaning from the viewpoint of making suppression of the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber and a reduction in the bending loss compatible.

(109) In the optical fiber 10, the difference in the refractive indices between the inner cladding layer 2 and the outer cladding layer 3 is small, and thus, the refractive index of the inner cladding layer 2 and the outer cladding layer 3 is able to be easily and accurately adjusted by using the manufacturing method of the related art (for example, a general manufacturing method of SSMF) without considerably changing the method.

(110) In addition, the difference in the refractive indices between the inner cladding layer 2 and the outer cladding layer 3 is small, and thus, constraint based on the manufacturing method decreases. For example, not only the chemical vapor deposition method which is considered to be suitable for adjusting the refractive index profile but also the vapor-phase axial deposition method and the outside vapor deposition method are able to be adopted.

(111) Accordingly, the optical fiber 10 is able to be easily manufactured, and manufacturing costs are able to be made low.

(112) In the optical fiber 10, the difference in the refractive indices between the inner cladding layer 2 and the outer cladding layer 3 is small, and thus, the added amount of the dopant such as fluorine (F) and chlorine (Cl) for forming the inner cladding layer 2 is able to be reduced.

(113) Raw material gas (for example, SiF.sub.4) used in a dope such as fluorine (F) is expensive, and thus, raw material costs are able to be suppressed and manufacturing costs are able to be made low by reducing the amount of the dopant added.

(114) As shown in FIG. 10, in the optical fiber 10, the minimum refractive index Δ2min of the inner cladding layer 2 is less than the refractive index Δ3 of the outer cladding layer 3, and thus, it is possible to make containment of the light with respect to the core 1 excellent and to reduce the bending loss.

(115) FIG. 11 shows a schematic configuration of an optical fiber 20 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

(116) The optical fiber 20 includes the core 1 disposed on the center portion, and a clad 14 disposed on the outer circumference side (the outer circumference) of the core 1 to be concentric with the core 1.

(117) The clad 14 includes the inner cladding layer 12 adjacent to the outer circumference side (the outer circumference) of the core 1, and the outer cladding layer 13 formed on the outer circumference side (the outer circumference) of the inner cladding layer 12.

(118) FIG. 12 schematically shows a refractive index profile of the optical fiber 20.

(119) The refractive index of the core 1 is defined as Δ1, and the maximum refractive index of the core 1 is defined as Δ1max. The refractive index of the inner cladding layer 12 is defined as Δ2, and the minimum refractive index of the inner cladding layer 12 is defined as Δ2min. The refractive index of the outer cladding layer 13 is defined as Δ3.

(120) In the optical fiber 20, Expression [10] described below is established as with the optical fiber 10 of the second embodiment.

(121) Δ1max>Δ2min and Δ1max>Δ3 . . . [10] The optical fiber 20 is different from the optical fiber 10 of the second embodiment in that the minimum refractive index Δ2min of the inner cladding layer 12 is adjusted to be greater than the refractive index Δ3 of the outer cladding layer 13.

(122) In the optical fiber 20, Expression [11] described below is established as with the optical fiber 10 of the second embodiment.
0.01%<|Δ2min−Δ3|<0.03%  [11]

(123) The absolute value of the difference between the Δ2min and Δ3 is adjusted to be in the range of Expression [11], and thus, the mode field diameter (MFD) is able to be optimized, the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber is able to be suppressed to be low, and the bending loss is able to be reduced.

(124) The outer circumference radius r1 of the core 1, the outer circumferential radius r2 of the inner cladding layer 12, and the outer circumferential radius r3 of the outer cladding layer 13 have relationships denoted by Expression [12] and Expression [13] described below, as with the optical fiber 10 of second embodiment.
r1<r2<r3  [12]
0.2≦r1/r2≦0.5  [13]

(125) r1/r2 is adjusted to be greater than or equal to 0.2, and thus the mode field diameter is able to be optimized, the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber is able to be suppressed to be low, and the bending loss is able to be reduced.

(126) In the optical fiber 20, the cut-off wavelength λc.sub.22m of 22 m is less than or equal to 1260 nm, as with the optical fiber 10 of the second embodiment.

(127) In addition, the mode field diameter (MFD) at a wavelength of 1310 nm is greater than or equal to 8.6 μm and less than or equal to 9.5 μm.

(128) In the optical fiber 20, it is preferable that the loss increase at a wavelength of 1550 nm at the time of winding the optical fiber 20 around a cylindrical mandrel having a diameter of 15 mm 10 times be less than or equal to 0.25 dB. In addition, it is preferable that the loss increase at a wavelength of 1625 nm at the time of winding the optical fiber 20 around the cylindrical mandrel having a diameter of 15 mm 10 times be less than or equal to 1.0 dB.

(129) The core 1, for example, is able to be configured of silica glass of which the refractive index increases by adding a dopant such as germanium (Ge).

(130) The inner cladding layer 2, for example, is able to be configured of pure silica glass. In the inner cladding layer 2, for example, the refractive index may be adjusted by adding a dopant such as chlorine (Cl).

(131) The outer cladding layer 3, for example, is able to be configured of pure silica glass. The outer cladding layer 3, for example, may be configured of silica glass of which the refractive index decreases by adding a dopant such as fluorine (F).

(132) The optical fiber 20 is able to be manufactured by a modified chemical vapor deposition method, a plasma chemical vapor deposition method, a vapor-phase axial deposition method, an outside vapor deposition method, and the like, as with the optical fiber 10 of the second embodiment.

(133) For example, in a case where the modified chemical vapor deposition method is adopted, the optical fiber preform is able to be prepared as follows.

(134) A glass deposition layer which becomes the inner cladding layer 2 is formed on the inside of a silica glass tube (for example, a silica glass tube containing a dopant such as fluorine (F)) which becomes the outer cladding layer 3 by using a raw material such as pure silica glass.

(135) Next, a glass deposition layer which becomes the core 1 is formed on the inside of the glass deposition layer, for example, by using a raw material containing a dopant such as germanium (Ge). Furthermore, the core 1 is able to be formed by using a core rod which is separately prepared.

(136) The silica glass tube in which the glass deposition layer is formed becomes the optical fiber preform through a transparency step, a solidification step, and the like. The optical fiber preform is subjected to fiber drawing, and thus, the optical fiber 20 shown in FIG. 11 is able to be obtained.

(137) In the optical fiber 20, a difference in the refractive indices between the inner cladding layer 12 and the outer cladding layer 13 is in the range described above (refer to Expression [11]), and a ratio of the outer circumferential radius of the core 1 and the outer circumferential radius of the inner cladding layer 12 is in the range described above (refer to Expression [13]), and thus, the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber is able to be suppressed to be low, and the bending loss is able to be reduced.

(138) In the optical fiber 20, the manufacturing method of the related art is able to be used without being considerably changed, and thus, the optical fiber 20 is able to be easily manufactured, and the manufacturing costs are able to be made low.

(139) As described above, the second embodiment and the third embodiment of the present invention have been described, but the second embodiment and the third embodiment are examples of the present invention, and addition, omission, substitution, and other changes are able to be performed without departing from the range of the present invention.

(140) For example, in the optical fibers 10 and 20 shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11, the clads 4 and 14 are formed of two cladding layers (the inner cladding layer and the outer cladding layer), and the clad may include layers other than the inner cladding layer and the outer cladding layer.

(141) Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment and a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(142) FIG. 13 shows a schematic configuration of an optical fiber 110 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

(143) The optical fiber 110 includes a core 101 disposed on the center portion, and a clad 105 disposed on the outer circumference side (the outer circumference) of the core 101 to be concentric with the core 101.

(144) The clad 105 includes an inner cladding layer 102 adjacent to the outer circumference side (the outer circumference) of the core 101, a trench 103 formed to be adjacent to the outer circumference side (the outer circumference) of the inner cladding layer 102, and an outer cladding layer 104 formed on the outer circumference side (the outer circumference) of the trench 103.

(145) FIG. 14 schematically shows a refractive index profile of the optical fiber 110.

(146) The refractive index of the core 101 is defined as Δ1, and the maximum refractive index of the core 101 is defined as Δ1max.

(147) The refractive index of the inner cladding layer 102 is defined as Δ2, and the minimum refractive index of the inner cladding layer 102 is defined as Δ2min.

(148) The refractive index of the trench 103 is defined as Δ3, and the minimum refractive index of the trench 103 is defined as Δ3min.

(149) The refractive index of the outer cladding layer 104 is defined as Δ4.

(150) The maximum refractive index Δ1max of the core 101 is the refractive index of the core 101 which is maximized in a diameter direction range from the center of the core 101 to the outer circumference of the core 101. In the refractive index profile shown in FIG. 14, the refractive index Δ1 of the core 101 is constant without depending on the position of the diameter direction, and thus, the refractive index Δ1 is identical to the maximum refractive index Δ1max in the entire range.

(151) The minimum refractive index Δ2min of the inner cladding layer 102 is the refractive index of the inner cladding layer 102 which is minimized in a diameter direction range from the inner circumference of the inner cladding layer 102 to the outer circumference of the inner cladding layer 102. In the refractive index profile shown in FIG. 14, the refractive index Δ2 of the inner cladding layer 102 is constant without depending on the position of the diameter direction, and thus, the refractive index Δ2 is identical to the minimum refractive index Δ2min in the entire range.

(152) The minimum refractive index Δ3min of the trench 103 is the refractive index of the trench 103 which is minimized in a diameter direction range from the inner circumference of the trench 103 to the outer circumference of the trench 103. In the refractive index profile shown in FIG. 14, the refractive index Δ3 of the trench 103 is constant without depending on the position of the diameter direction, and thus, the refractive index Δ3 is identical to the minimum refractive index Δ3min in the entire range.

(153) In the optical fiber 110, Expression [14] described below is established.
Δ1max>Δ2>Δ3min  [14]

(154) As shown in Expression [14], the maximum refractive index Δ1max of the core 101 is greater than the refractive index Δ2 of the inner cladding layer 102.

(155) The refractive index Δ2 of the inner cladding layer 102 is greater than Δ3min of the trench 103.

(156) In the optical fiber 110, Expression [15] described below is further established.
Δ1max>Δ4>Δ3min  [15]

(157) As shown in Expression [15], the maximum refractive index Δ1max of the core 101 is greater than the refractive index Δ4 of the outer cladding layer 104.

(158) The refractive index Δ4 of the outer cladding layer 104 is greater than Δ3min of the trench 103.

(159) In the optical fiber 110, Expression [16] described below is further established.
0.01%<(Δ4−Δ3min)<0.03%  [16]

(160) Expression [16] indicates that a difference between the refractive index Δ4 of the outer cladding layer 104 and the minimum refractive index Δ3min of the trench 103 is greater than 0.01% and less than 0.03%.

(161) When the difference between Δ4 and Δ3min is excessively small, the bending loss may not be sufficiently reduced. In contrast, the difference between Δ4 and Δ3min is excessively large, the mode field diameter decreases, and the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber (for example, a general single mode optical fiber (SSMF)) may increase.

(162) In the optical fiber 110, the difference between Δ4 and Δ3min is in a range of greater than 0.01%, and thus, the bending loss is able to be reduced. In addition, the difference between Δ4 and Δ3min is less than 0.03%, and thus, the mode field diameter (MFD) is able to be optimized, and the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber is able to be suppressed to be low.

(163) The outer circumferential radii of the core 101, the inner cladding layer 102, the trench 103, and the outer cladding layer 104 are respectively r1, r2, r3, and r4.

(164) The outer circumference radius r1 of the core 101, the outer circumferential radius r2 of the inner cladding layer 102, the outer circumferential radius r3 of the trench 103, and the outer circumferential radius r4 of the outer cladding layer 104 have a relationship denoted by Expression [17] described below.
r1≦r2<r3<r4  [17]

(165) A ratio r2/r1 of the outer circumferential radius r2 of the inner cladding layer 102 to the outer circumference radius r1 of the core 101 is in a range denoted by Expression [18] described below.
1≦r2/r1≦5  [18]

(166) When r2/r1 is excessively small, the bending loss may increase. In contrast, when r2/r1 is excessively large, the mode field diameter decreases, and the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber (for example, SSMF) may increase.

(167) In the optical fiber 110, r2/r1 is greater than or equal to 1, and thus, it is possible to reduce the bending loss. r2/r1 is less than or equal to 5, the mode field diameter is able to be optimized, and the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber is able to be suppressed to be low.

(168) A ratio r3/r2 of the outer circumferential radius r3 of the trench 103 to the outer circumferential radius r2 of the inner cladding layer 102 is in a range denoted by Expression [19] described below.
1<r3/r2≦2  [19]

(169) When r3/r2 is excessively small, the bending loss may increase. In contrast, when r3/r2 is excessively large, the mode field diameter decreases, and the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber (for example, SSMF) may increase.

(170) In the optical fiber 110, r3/r2 is greater than 1, and thus, it is possible to reduce the bending loss. r3/r2 is less than or equal to 2, and thus, the mode field diameter is able to be optimized, and the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber is able to be suppressed to be low.

(171) In the optical fiber 110, the cut-off wavelength λc.sub.22m of 22 m is less than or equal to 1260 nm.

(172) That is, Expression [20] described below is established.
λc.sub.22m≦1260 nm  [20]

(173) Accordingly, the regulation of ITU-T Recommendation G.652 is able to be satisfied.

(174) The cut-off wavelength λc.sub.22m, for example, is able to be measured by a measurement method disclosed in ITU-T Recommendation G.650.

(175) In the optical fiber 110, the refractive index and the outer circumferential radius described above are adjusted, and thus the mode field diameter (MFD) at a wavelength of 1310 nm is greater than or equal to 8.6 μm and less than or equal to 9.5 μm. That is, Expression [21] described below is established.
8.6 μm≦MFD≦9.5 μm  [21]

(176) The mode field diameter is in the range of Expression [21], and thus, the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber (for example, SSMF) is able to be suppressed to be low.

(177) In the optical fiber 110, the mode field diameter is in the range of Expression [21], and thus, the regulation of ITU-T G.652 is satisfied.

(178) In the optical fiber 110, it is preferable that the loss increase at a wavelength of 1550 nm at the time of winding the optical fiber 110 around a cylindrical mandrel having a diameter of 15 mm 10 times be less than or equal to 0.25 dB.

(179) In addition, it is preferable that the loss increase at a wavelength of 1625 nm at the time of winding the optical fiber 110 around the cylindrical mandrel having a diameter of 15 mm 10 times be less than or equal to 1.0 dB.

(180) The core 101, for example, is able to be configured of silica glass of which the refractive index increases by adding a dopant such as germanium (Ge).

(181) The inner cladding layer 102 and the trench 103, for example, are able to be configured of silica glass of which the refractive index decreases by adding a dopant such as fluorine (F).

(182) The outer cladding layer 104, for example, is able to be configured of pure silica glass. In the outer cladding layer 104, the refractive index may be adjusted by adding a dopant (for example, Ge, F, and the like).

(183) Each layer configuring the optical fiber 110 is able to be formed by a known method such as a modified chemical vapor deposition method, a plasma chemical vapor deposition method, a vapor-phase axial deposition method, and an outside vapor deposition method, or a combination thereof.

(184) For example, in a case where the modified chemical vapor deposition method is adopted, the optical fiber preform is able to be prepared as follows.

(185) A glass deposition layer which becomes the trench 103 is formed on the inside of the silica glass tube (for example, a glass tube formed of pure silica glass) which becomes the outer cladding layer 104, for example, by using a raw material containing a dopant such as fluorine (F).

(186) A glass deposition layer which becomes the inner cladding layer 102 is formed on the inside of the glass deposition layer, for example, by using a raw material containing a dopant such as fluorine (F).

(187) The refractive index of the trench 103 and the inner cladding layer 102 is able to be adjusted by the added amount of the dopant.

(188) Next, a glass deposition layer which becomes the core 101 is formed on the inside of the glass deposition layer, for example, by using a raw material containing a dopant such as germanium (Ge). Furthermore, the core 101 is able to be formed by using a core rod which is separately prepared.

(189) The silica glass tube in which the glass deposition layer is formed becomes the optical fiber preform through a transparency step, a solidification step, and the like. The optical fiber preform is subjected to fiber drawing, and thus, the optical fiber 110 shown in FIG. 13 is able to be obtained.

(190) The chemical vapor deposition method is preferable from the viewpoint of accurately adjusting the refractive index profile by adding a dopant.

(191) The vapor-phase axial deposition method and the outside vapor deposition method are also able to be applied to manufacture the optical fiber 110. The vapor-phase axial deposition method and the outside vapor deposition method have advantages such as high productivity.

(192) In the optical fiber 110, a difference in the refractive indices between the trench 103 and the outer cladding layer 104 is in the range described above (refer to Expression [16]), and a ratio of the outer circumferential radius of the core 101, the outer circumferential radius of the inner cladding layer 102, and the outer circumferential radius of the trench 103 is in the range described above (refer to Expressions [18] to [20]), and thus, the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber is able to be suppressed to be low, and the bending loss is able to be reduced.

(193) It has been known that the refractive index of the clad in a portion close to the core considerably affects optical properties of the optical fiber, but as a result of intensive studies of the present inventor, a refractive index profile has been found in which the bending loss is able to be reduced without decreasing the mode field diameter.

(194) By adopting the refractive index profile, the optical fiber 110 has technical meaning from the viewpoint of making suppression of the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber and a reduction in the bending loss compatible.

(195) In the optical fiber 110, the difference in the refractive indices between the trench 103 and the outer cladding layer 104 is small, and thus, the refractive index of the trench 103 and the outer cladding layer 104 is able to be easily and accurately adjusted by using the manufacturing method of the related art (for example, a general manufacturing method of SSMF) without considerably changing the method.

(196) In addition, the difference in the refractive indices between the trench 103 and the outer cladding layer 104 is small, and thus, constraint based on the manufacturing method decreases. For example, not only the chemical vapor deposition method which is considered to be suitable for adjusting the refractive index profile, but also the vapor-phase axial deposition method, and the outside vapor deposition method are able to be adopted.

(197) Accordingly, the optical fiber 110 is able to be easily manufactured, and manufacturing costs are able to be made low.

(198) In the optical fiber 110, the difference in the refractive indices between the trench 103 and the outer cladding layer 104 is small, and thus, the added amount of the dopant such as fluorine (F) for forming the trench 103 is able to be reduced.

(199) Raw material gas (for example, SiF.sub.4) used in a dope such as fluorine (F) is expensive, and thus, raw material costs are able to be suppressed and manufacturing costs are able to be made low by reducing the added amount of the dopant.

(200) As described above, the outer circumference radii r1 to r4 of the core 101, the inner cladding layer 102, the trench 103, and the outer cladding layer 104 have a relationship denoted by Expression [17].
r1≦r2<r3<r4  [17]

(201) In the optical fiber 110 shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, r1, r2, and r3 are values different from each other, but the present invention includes a case of r1=r2 and r2≠r3.

(202) FIG. 15 is a diagram of a refractive index profile of an optical fiber of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and shows a case of r1=r2 and r2≠r3.

(203) In the optical fiber, r1 is identical to r2, and thus, the clad 105 is formed only of the trench 103 and the outer cladding layer 104 formed on the outer circumference side of the trench 103.

(204) As described above, the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment of the present invention have been described, but the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment are examples of the present invention, and addition, omission, substitution, and other changes are able to be performed without departing from the range of the present invention.

(205) For example, in the optical fiber 110 shown in FIG. 13, the clad 105 is formed of three layers (the inner cladding layer, the trench, and the outer cladding layer), but the clad may include other layers.

(206) As described above, the present invention has been described on the basis of the preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are able to be performed in a range not departing from the present invention.

EXAMPLES

(207) Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described on the basis of examples.

(208) Properties such as a bending loss of an optical fiber having a pentagonal refractive index profile and an optical fiber having an α-th power refractive index profile were compared with each other. The bending loss is a parameter depending on a cable cut-off wavelength and MFD, and thus, in this example, the cable cut-off wavelength was 1.21 μm (1210 nm), and MFD at a wavelength of 1310 nm was in a range of 9.17 μm to 9.20 μm.

(209) In order to set the cable cut-off wavelength and MFD to be constant, in the optical fiber having a pentagonal refractive index profile, a relative refractive index difference Δ1a of the core center and a core radius r1 were adjusted. Similarly, in the optical fiber having an α-th power refractive index profile, a refractive index n.sub.1 of the core center and a core radius a were adjusted. Each of the refractive index profiles of the core in this example is shown in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5I and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6I.

(210) FIG. 5A to FIG. 5I show a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing the acute angle. FIG. 5A shows a case where the acute angle is 0%, FIG. 5B shows a case where the acute angle is 20%, FIG. 5C shows a case where the acute angle is 30%, FIG. 5D shows a case where the acute angle is 40%, FIG. 5E shows a case where the acute angle is 50%, FIG. 5F shows a case where the acute angle is 70%, FIG. 5G shows a case where the acute angle is 80%, FIG. 5H shows a case where an acute angle is 90%, and FIG. 5I shows a case where the acute angle is 100%.

(211) FIG. 6A to FIG. 6I show a specific example of a refractive index profile in a case of changing an α value. FIG. 6A shows a case of α=1, FIG. 6B shows a case of α=2, FIG. 6C shows a case of α=2.5, FIG. 6D shows a case of α=3, FIG. 6E shows a case of α=4, FIG. 6F shows a case of α=5, FIG. 6G shows a case of α=6, FIG. 6H shows a case of α=10, and FIG. 6I shows a case of α=∞.

(212) In addition, the values of the parameters of the optical fiber having a pentagonal refractive index profile are shown in Table 1. Further, numerical calculation was performed with respect to the optical fiber having the refractive index profile by a finite element method, and a bending loss at a wavelength of 1550 nm at the time of winding the optical fiber around a mandrel having a radial of 15 mm 10 times was calculated. The results are shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and Table 1. FIG. 7 shows the result of the optical fiber having an α-th power refractive index profile. FIG. 8 and Table 1 show the result of the optical fiber having a pentagonal refractive index profile.

(213) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Δ1a Δ1b r1 BENDING LOSS ACUTE ANGLE [%] [%] [μm] [dB/10turn] 0 0.35 0.35 4.50 0.055 20 0.38 0.31 4.55 0.082 30 0.40 0.28 4.65 0.071 40 0.42 0.25 4.78 0.071 42 0.43 0.25 4.81 0.034 44 0.43 0.24 4.84 0.039 46 0.44 0.24 4.88 0.044 48 0.44 0.23 4.92 0.035 50 0.44 0.22 4.95 0.042 70 0.48 0.14 5.45 0.028 80 0.49 0.10 5.84 0.031 82 0.49 0.09 5.94 0.032 84 0.49 0.08 6.04 0.032 86 0.50 0.07 6.14 0.035 88 0.50 0.06 6.25 0.033 90 0.50 0.05 6.36 0.110 100 0.51 0.00 6.90 0.105 (REFERENCE) — — — 0.102 α = 3

(214) In a specific example (within a range of 1≦α≦10) of the optical fiber having a α-th power distribution, a bending loss in a case of α=3 which is the minimum value at which the bending loss is minimized was obtained from FIG. 7. Then, in a range where the acute angle is less than or equal to 88%, a result in which the value of the bending loss of the optical fiber having a pentagonal refractive index profile is less than the value of the bending loss in a case of α=3 was obtained from FIG. 8. Further, in a range where the acute angle is 42% to 88%, a result in which the value of the bending loss of the optical fiber having a pentagonal refractive index profile is less than the value of the bending loss in a case of an ideal step type refractive index profile (corresponding to an acute angle of 0% and α=∞) was obtained.

(215) Furthermore, the ideal step type refractive index profile is able to be imagined on design, but in practice, a fluctuation occurs in the refractive index of a core outer circumference portion or the like at the time of manufacturing, and thus, the manufacturing is considered to be difficult. Even though a constant refractive index is obtained in a core center portion, when a fluctuation occurs in the refractive index in the outer circumference portion, it is considered that the α value of an α-th power distribution is less than ∞, and the bending loss increases. For this reason, it is considered that the pentagonal refractive index profile according to this example is effective for reducing the bending loss.