Optical fiber

Abstract

An optical fiber including a core and a cladding including an inner cladding layer and an outer cladding layer is provided. The refractive index of the core 1, the refractive index of the inner cladding layer 2, and the refractive index of the outer cladding layer 3 have a relationship denoted by the following expressions: 1max>2min and 1max>3, and 0.01%<|2min3|<0.03%. An outer circumference radius r1 of the core, an outer circumferential radius r2 of the inner cladding layer, and an outer circumferential radius r3 of the outer cladding layer have a relationship denoted by the following expressions: r1<r2<r3, and 0.2r1/r20.5. A cable cut-off wavelength cc 1260 nm or less. A mode field diameter at a wavelength of 1310 nm is 8.6 m or more and 9.5 m or less.

Claims

1. An optical fiber comprising a core and a cladding formed on an outer periphery of the core, wherein: the cladding comprises at least an inner cladding layer adjacent to the core and an outer cladding layer formed on the outer circumference side of the inner cladding layer; a refractive index of the core is 1 and a maximum refractive index of the core is 1max; a refractive index of the inner cladding layer is 2 and a minimum refractive index of the inner cladding layer is 2min; a refractive index of the outer cladding layer is 3; the refractive index of the core, the refractive index of the inner cladding layer, and the refractive index of the outer cladding layer have a relationship denoted by Expressions (1) and (2);
1max>2min and 1max>3(1)
0.01%<|2min3|<0.03%(2) an outer circumference radius r1 of the core, an outer circumferential radius r2 of the inner cladding layer, and an outer circumferential radius r3 of the outer cladding layer have a relationship denoted by Expressions (3) and (4);
r1<r2<r3(3)
0.2r1/r20.5(4) a cable cut-off wavelength cc satisfies Expression (5); and
cc1260 nm(5) a mode field diameter at a wavelength of 1310 nm satisfies Expression (6)
8.6 mMFD9.5 m(6).

2. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein the refractive index of the core, the refractive index of the inner cladding layer, and the refractive index of the outer cladding layer have a relationship denoted by Expressions (1A) and (2A)
1max>3>2min(1A)
0.01%<(32min)<0.03%(2A).

3. The optical fiber according to claim 2, wherein 1max further satisfies 0.33%1max0.40%.

4. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein: a loss increase at a wavelength of 1550 nm at the time of winding the optical fiber around a mandrel having a diameter of 15 mm 10 times is less than or equal to 0.25 dB; and a loss increase at a wavelength of 1625 nm at the time of winding the optical fiber around the mandrel having the diameter of 15 mm 10 times be less than or equal to 1.0 dB.

5. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein the outer cladding layer is formed of pure silica glass; and the inner cladding layer is formed of silica glass to which fluorine is added.

6. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein: the outer cladding layer is formed of pure silica glass; and the inner cladding layer is formed of silica glass to which chlorine is added.

7. An optical fiber comprising a core and a cladding formed on an outer periphery of the core, wherein: the cladding comprises at least an inner cladding layer adjacent to the core, a trench portion adjacent to the outer circumference side of the inner cladding layer, and an outer cladding layer formed on the outer circumference side of the trench portion; a refractive index of the core is 1 and a maximum refractive index of the core is 1max; a refractive index of the inner cladding layer is 2 and a minimum refractive index of the inner cladding layer is 2min; a refractive index of the trench portion is 3 and a minimum refractive index of the inner cladding layer is 3min; a refractive index of the outer cladding layer is 4; the refractive index of the core, the refractive index of the inner cladding layer, the refractive index of the trench portion, and the refractive index of the outer cladding layer have a relationship denoted by Expressions (11)-(13);
1max>2>3min(11)
1max>4>3min(12)
0.01%<(43min)<0.03%(13) an outer circumference radius r1 of the core, an outer circumferential radius r2 of the inner cladding layer, an outer circumferential radius r3 of the trench portion, and an outer circumferential radius r4 of the outer cladding layer have a relationship denoted by Expressions (14)-(16);
r1r2<r3<r4(14)
1r2/r15(15)
1<r3/r22(16) a cable cut-off wavelength cc satisfies Expression (17); and
cc1260 nm(17) a mode field diameter at a wavelength of 1310 nm satisfies Expression (18)
8.6 mMFD9.5 m(18).

8. The optical fiber according to claim 7, wherein: a loss increase at a wavelength of 1550 nm at the time of winding the optical fiber around a mandrel having a diameter 15 mm 10 times is less than or equal to 0.25 dB; and a loss increase at a wavelength of 1625 nm at the time of winding the optical fiber around the mandrel having the diameter of 15 mm 10 times be less than or equal to 1.0 dB.

9. The optical fiber according to claim 7, wherein: the outer cladding layer is formed of pure silica glass; and the trench portion is formed of silica glass to which fluorine is added.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an optical fiber according to the first embodiment.

(2) FIG. 2A is a drawing schematically showing a refractive index profile of the optical fiber shown in FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 2B is a drawing schematically showing a refractive index profile of an optical fiber of Comparative Example.

(4) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an optical fiber according to the second embodiment.

(5) FIG. 4 is a drawing schematically showing a refractive index profile of the optical fiber shown in FIG. 3.

(6) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an optical fiber according to the third embodiment.

(7) FIG. 6 is a drawing schematically showing a refractive index profile of the optical fiber shown in FIG. 5.

(8) FIG. 7 is a drawing schematically showing a refractive index profile of the optical fiber according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(9) Hereinafter, the present invention will be described on the basis of preferred embodiments and with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

(10) FIG. 1 shows schematic configuration of an optical fiber 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

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

(12) The cladding 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.

(13) FIG. 2A schematically shows a refractive index profile of the optical fiber 10.

(14) The refractive index of the core 1 is defined as 1, and the maximum refractive index of the core 1 is defined as 1max.

(15) The refractive index of the inner cladding layer 2 is defined as 2, and the minimum refractive index of the inner cladding layer 2 is defined as 2min.

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

(17) The maximum refractive index 1max 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. 2A, the refractive index 1 of the core 1 is constant without depending on the position in the diameter direction, and thus, the refractive index 1 is identical to the maximum refractive index 1max in the entire range.

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

(19) In the optical fiber 10, Expression (1) described below is established.
1max>2min and 1max>3(1)

(20) As shown in Expression (1), the maximum refractive index 1max of the core 1 is greater than the minimum refractive index 2min of the inner cladding layer 2 and the refractive index 3 of the outer cladding layer 3.

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

(22) In the optical fiber 10, Expression (2) described below is further established.
0.01%<|2min3|<0.03%(2)

(23) Expression (2) indicates that the absolute value of a difference between the minimum refractive index 2min of the inner cladding layer 2 and the refractive index 3 of the outer cladding layer 3 is greater than 0.01% and less than 0.03%.

(24) When the absolute value of the difference between 2min and 3 is excessively small, the bending loss may not be sufficiently reduced. In contrast, when the absolute value of the difference between 2min and 3 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.

(25) In the optical fiber 10, it is possible to reduce the bending loss by setting the absolute value of the difference between 2min and 3 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 Sow at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber by setting the absolute value of the difference between 2min and 3 to be less than 0.03%.

(26) In the optical fiber 10 of the first embodiment. Expression (1A) described below is established with respect to a magnitude relationship of 1max, 2min, and 3.
1max>3>2min(1A)

(27) As shown in Expression (1A), the maximum refractive index 1max of the core 1 is greater than the refractive index 3 of the outer cladding layer 3.

(28) The refractive index 3 of the outer cladding layer 3 is greater than the minimum refractive index 2min of the inner cladding layer 2.

(29) 3 is greater than 2min, and thus Expression (2) described above is able to be described as follows.
0.01%<(32min)<0.03%(2A)

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

(31) 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.

(32) 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 (3) described below.
r1<r2<r3(3)

(33) A ratio r1/r2 of the outer circumference radius r1 of the core 1 to the outer circumferential radius r2 of the tuner cladding layer 2 is in a range denoted by Expression (4) described below.
0.2r1/r20.5(4)

(34) When r1/r2 is excessively small, she 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.

(35) 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.

(36) In the optical, fiber 10, a cable cut-off wavelength cc (i.e., a cut-off wavelength c.sub.22m of 22 m) is adjusted to be less than or equal to 1260 nm. That is, Expression (5) described below is established.
cc1260 nm(5)

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

(38) The cut-off wavelength cc, for example, is able to be measured by a measurement method disclosed in ITU-T Recommendation G.650.

(39) 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 8.6 m and less than or equal to 9.5 m. That is, Expression (6) described below is established.
8.6 mMFD9.5 m(6)

(40) The mode field diameter is in the range of Expression (6), and thus, the connection loss at the time of being connected to the other optical fiber (for example, S-SMF) is able to be suppressed to be low.

(41) In the optical fiber 10, the mode field diameter is in the range of Expression (6), and thus, the regulation of ITU-T G.652 is satisfied.

(42) 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.

(43) In addition, it is preferable that the loss increase at a wavelength of 1.625 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.

(44) 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).

(45) 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).

(46) 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).

(47) 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.

(48) 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.

(49) 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.

(50) Next, a glass deposition layer which becomes the core 1 is formed on the inside of the glass deposition layer described above, 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.

(51) 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. 1 is able to be obtained.

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

(53) 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.

(54) 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 (2)), 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 (4)), 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.

(55) It has been known that the refractive index of the cladding 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.

(56) 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.

(57) 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 S-SMF) without considerably changing the method.

(58) 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.

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

(60) 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 fee inner cladding layer 2 is able to be reduced.

(61) 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.

(62) As shown in FIG. 2A, in the optical fiber 10, the minimum refractive index 2min of the inner cladding layer 2 is less than the refractive index 3 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.

(63) More specifically, when 2 is small, it is preferable in terms of for example, costs other than the characteristics. Generally, in order to form a low refractive region, it is necessary to add a dopant such as fluorine (F) described above which reduces the refractive index, and material costs increases. However, in the present application, since the adding amount of the fluorine is remarkably small, the cost reduction can be expected. In addition, when 2 is small, it is preferable in terms of a transmission loss. The dopant added to the inner cladding layer 2 diffuses into the core portion under a high temperature environment such as the sintering process and the drawing process of a preform of the optical fiber. Since the Raleigh scattering coefficient which is a dominant factor of the transmission loss increases with the increase of the content of the dopant, the transmission loss decreases when the fluorine diffuses into the core portion. However, in the present application, since the adding amount of the fluorine is remarkably small, it is not necessary to consider influence on the transmission loss.

(64) Here, the results of the simulation regarding the refractive index difference of the inner cladding layer 2 shown in FIG. 1 are shown. Table 1 shows calculation results of characteristics when each parameter shown in FIG. 2A is set.

(65) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Example Parameter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 [%] 0.37 0.36 0.35 0.33 0.36 0.38 0.34 2 [%] 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.02 3 [%] 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 r1/r2 0.20 0.40 0.50 0.20 0.40 0.20 0.40 r2 [m] 43.0 22.5 18.0 47.0 22.0 43.0 23.0 MFD at 1.31 m [m] 8.74 8.98 9.06 9.35 8.96 8.74 9.27 cable cut-off wavelength 1221 1234 1235 1255 1238 1245 1260 cc [nm] Bending loss (R = 15 mm) 0.008 0.009 0.032 0.006 0.023 0.003 0.062 at 1.55 m [dB/10 turn] Bending loss (R = 15 mm) 0.084 0.069 0.328 0.047 0.23 0.024 0.661 at 1.625 m [dB/10 turn] Dispersion at 1.31 m 0.348 0.747 0.577 0.074 0.411 0.317 0.744 [ps/km/nm] Example Parameter 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 [%] 0.37 0.34 0.39 0.33 0.36 0.33 0.40 2 [%] 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.04 0.04 0.04 3 [%] 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 r1/r2 0.40 0.20 0.25 0.29 0.20 0.33 0.25 r2 [m] 21.5 43.5 32.0 32.0 45.0 28.5 35.0 MFD at 1.31 m [m] 8.88 9.14 8.59 9.40 8.98 9.34 8.57 cable cut-off wavelength 1252 1202 1252 1255 1238 1227 1260 cc [nm] Bending loss (R = 15 mm) 0.011 0.20 0.005 0.25 0.012 0.082 0.001 at 1.55 m [dB/10 turn] Bending loss (R = 15 mm) 0.087 0.94 0.036 0.930 0.145 0.82 0.005 at 1.625 m [dB/10 turn] Dispersion at 1.31 m 0.128 0.055 0.223 0.532 0.809 1.193 0.830 [ps/km/nm]

(66) Based on the calculation results described above, if 1, r2, and r1/r2 are set appropriately when 2 has a range of 0.01% to 0.04%, an optical fiber which comply with G.657.A can be realized (i.e., MFD at the wavelength of 1310 nm is 8.6-9.5 m), the cable cut-off wavelength cc is less than or equal to 1260 nm, a loss increase (bending loss) at a wavelength of 1550 (1625) nm at the time of winding the optical fiber around a mandrel having a diameter of 15 mm 10 times be less than or equal to 0.25 (1.0) dB). In other words, when 2 has a range of 0.01% to 0.04%, it is found that both of the MFD and the bending loss can be increased.

(67) As a comparative example, results of the case where the inner cladding layer does not present are shown. Table 2 shows calculation results of the characteristics when each parameter of the refractive index profile where the inner cladding layer shown in FIG. 2B is not present is set.

(68) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Comparative Example Parameter 1 2 3 1 [%] 0.37 0.36 0.34 r1 [m] 4.17 4.25 4.40 MFD at 1.31 m [m] 8.82 8.98 9.27 cc [nm] 1256 1261 1263 Bending loss (R = 15 mm) at 0.185 0.131 0.469 1.55 m [dB/10 turn] Bending loss (R = 15 mm) at 1.226 1.944 5.947 1.625 m [dB/10 turn] Dispersion at 1.31 m 0.341 0.178 0.084 [ps/km/nm]

(69) In the comparative example, despite an upper limit of die cable cut-off wavelength of 1260 nm and the bending-loss-enhanced refractive index, the bending loss does not satisfy the standard of G.657.A1. Also based on the results of the comparative example, it is also found that an optical fiber with high performance can be realized by providing the inner cladding-portion within an appropriate refractive index range.

Second Embodiment

(70) FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of an optical fiber 20 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

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

(72) The cladding 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.

(73) FIG. 14 schematically shows a refractive index profile of the optical fiber 20,

(74) The refractive index of the core 1 is defined as 1, and the maximum refractive index of the core 1 is defined as 1max. The refractive index of the inner cladding layer 12 is defined as 2, and the minimum refractive index of the inner cladding layer 12 is defined as 2min. The refractive index of the outer cladding layer 13 is defined as 3.

(75) In the optical fiber 20, Expression (7) described below is established as with the optical fiber 10 of the first embodiment.
1max>2min and 1max>3(7)

(76) The optical fiber 20 is different from the optical fiber 10 of the first embodiment in that the minimum refractive index 2min of the inner cladding layer 12 is adjusted to be greater than the refractive index 3 of the outer cladding layer 13.

(77) In the optical fiber 20, Expression (8) described below is established as with the optical fiber 10 of the first embodiment.
0.01%<|2min3|<0.03%(8)

(78) The absolute value of the difference between the 2min and 3 is adjusted to be in the range of Expression (8) described above, 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.

(79) 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 Expressions (9) and (10) described below, as with the optical fiber 10 of the first embodiment.
r1<r2<r3(9)
0.2r1/r20.5(10)

(80) 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.

(81) In the optical fiber 20, a cable cut-off wavelength cc (i.e., a cut-off wave length c.sub.22m of 22 m) is adjusted to be less than or equal to 1260 nm, as with the optical fiber 10 of the first embodiment.

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

(83) 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.

(84) 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).

(85) 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).

(86) 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).

(87) 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 first embodiment.

(88) 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.

(89) 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.

(90) 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.

(91) 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. 3 is able to be obtained.

(92) 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, 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, 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.

(93) 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.

(94) As described above, the preferred embodiments 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.

(95) For example, in the optical fibers 10 and 20 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the clads 4 and 14 are formed of two cladding layers (the inner cladding layer and the outer cladding layer), and the cladding may include layers other than the inner cladding layer and the outer cladding layer.

Third Embodiment

(96) FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of an optical fiber 30 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

(97) The optical fiber 30 includes a core 21 disposed on the center portion, and a cladding 25 disposed on the outer circumference side (the outer circumference) of the core 21 to be concentric with the core 21.

(98) The cladding 25 includes an inner cladding portion 22 adjacent to the outer circumference side (the outer circumference) of the core 21, a trench 23 formed to be adjacent to the outer circumference side (the outer circumference) of the inner cladding portion 22, and an outer cladding portion 24 formed on the outer circumference side (the outer circumference) of the trench 23.

(99) FIG. 6 schematically shows a refractive hides profile of the optical fiber 30.

(100) The refractive index of the core 21 is defined as 1, and the maximum refractive index of the core 21 is defined as 1max.

(101) The refractive index of the inner cladding portion 22 is defined as 2, and the minimum refractive index of the inner cladding portion 22 is defined as 2min.

(102) The refractive index of the trench 23 is defined as 3, and the minimum refractive index of the trench 23 is defined as 3min.

(103) The refractive index of the outer cladding portion 24 is defined as 4.

(104) The maximum refractive index 1max of the core 21 is the refractive index of the core 21 which is maximized in a diameter direction range from the center of the core 21 to the outer circumference of the core 21. In the refractive index profile shown in FIG. 6, the refractive index 1 of the core 21 is constant without depending on the position of the diameter direction, and thus, the refractive index 1 is identical to the maximum refractive index 1max in the entire range.

(105) The minimum refractive index 2min of the inner cladding portion 22 is the refractive index of the inner cladding portion 22 which is minimized in a diameter direction range from the inner circumference of the inner cladding portion 22 to the outer circumference of the inner cladding portion 22. In the refractive index profile shown in FIG. 6, the refractive index 2 of the inner cladding portion 22 is constant without depending on the position of the diameter direction, and thus, the refractive index 2 is identical to the minimum refractive index 2min in the entire range.

(106) The minimum refractive index 3min of the trench 23 is the refractive index of the trench 23 which is minimized in a diameter direction range from the inner circumference of the trench 23 to the outer circumference of the trench 23. In the refractive index profile shown in FIG. 6, the refractive index 3 of the trench 23 is constant without depending on the position of the diameter direction, and thus, the refractive index 3 is identical to the minimum refractive index 3min in the entire range.

(107) In the optical fiber 30, Expression (11) described below is established.
1max>2>3min(11)

(108) As shown in Expression (11), the maximum refractive index 1max of the core 21 is greater than the refractive index 2 of the inner cladding portion 22.

(109) The refractive index 2 of the inner cladding layer 22 is greater than 3min of the trench 23.

(110) In the optical fiber 30, Expression (12) described below is further established.
1max>4>3min(12)

(111) As shown, in Expression (12), the maximum refractive index 1max of the core 21 is greater than the refractive index 4 of the outer cladding portion 24.

(112) The refractive index 4 of the outer cladding portion 24 is greater than 3min of the trench 23.

(113) In the optical fiber 30, Expression (13) described below is further established.
0.01%<(43min)<0.03%(13)

(114) Expression (13) indicates dial a difference between the refractive index 4 of the outer cladding portion 24 and the minimum refractive index 3min of the trench 23 is greater than 0.01% and less than 0.03%.

(115) When the difference between 4 and 3min is excessively small, the bending loss may not be sufficiently reduced. In contrast, the difference between 4 and 3min 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 (S-SMF)) may increase.

(116) In the optical fiber 30, the difference between 4 and 3min is in a range of greater than 0.01%, and thus, the bending loss is able so be reduced. In addition, the difference between 4 and 3min 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.

(117) The outer circumferential radii of the core 21, the inner cladding portion 22, the trench 23, and the outer cladding portion 24 are respectively r1, r2, r3, and r4.

(118) The outer circumference radius r1 of the core 21, the outer circumferential radius r2 of the inner cladding layer 22, the outer circumferential radius r3 of the trench 23, and the outer circumferential radius r4 of the outer cladding layer 24 have a relationship denoted by Expression (14) described below.
r1r2<r3<r4(14)

(119) A ratio r2/r1 of the outer circumferential radios r2 of the inner cladding layer 22 to the outer circumference radius r1 of the core 21 is in a range denoted by Expression (15) described below.
1r2/r15(15)

(120) 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.

(121) In the optical fiber 30, 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.

(122) A ratio r3/r2 of the outer circumferential radius r3 of the trench 23 to the outer circumferential radius r2 of the inner cladding layer 22 is in a range denoted by Expression (16) described below.
1<r3/r22(16)

(123) 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.

(124) In the optical fiber 30, 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.

(125) In the optical fiber 30, the cut-off wavelength cc is less than or equal to 1260 nm.

(126) That is, Expression (17) described below is established.
cc1260 nm(17)

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

(128) The cut-off wavelength cc, for example, is able to be measured by a measurement method disclosed in ITU-T Recommendation G.650.

(129) In the optical fiber 30, 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 m and less than or equal to 9.5 m. That is. Expression (18) described below is established.
8.6 mMFD9.5 m(18)

(130) The mode field diameter is in the range of Expression (18), 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.

(131) In the optical fiber 30, the mode field diameter is in the range of Expression (18), and thus, the regulation of ITU-T G.652 is satisfied.

(132) In the optical fiber 30, it is preferable that the loss increase at a wavelength of 1550 nm at the time of winding, the optical fiber 30 around a cylindrical mandrel having a diameter of 15 mm 10 times be less than, or equal to 0.25 dB.

(133) In addition, it is preferable that the loss increase at a wavelength of 1625 nm at the time of winding the optical fiber 30 around the cylindrical mandrel having a diameter of 15 mm 10 times be less than or equal to 1.0 dB.

(134) The core 21, for example, is able to be configured of silica glass of which the refractive index increases by adding a dopant such as germanium (Ge).

(135) The inner cladding layer 22 and the trench 23, for example, are able to be configured of silica glass of which the refractive index decreases by adding a dopant such as fluorine (F).

(136) The outer cladding layer 24, for example, is able to be configured of pure silica glass. In the outer cladding layer 24, the refractive index may be adjusted by adding a dopant (for example, Ge, F, and the like).

(137) Each layer configuring the optical fiber 30 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.

(138) 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.

(139) A glass deposition layer which becomes the trench 23 is formed on the inside of the silica glass tube (for example, a glass tube formed of pare silica glass) which becomes the outer cladding layer 24, for example, by using a raw material containing a dopant such as fluorine (F).

(140) A glass deposition layer which becomes the inner cladding layer 22 is formed on the inside of the glass deposition layer, for example, by using a raw material containing a dopant such as fluorine (F).

(141) The refractive index of the trench 23 and the inner cladding layer 22 is able to be adjusted by the added amount of the dopant.

(142) Next, a glass deposition layer which becomes the core 21 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 21 is able to be formed by using a core rod which is separately prepared.

(143) 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 30 shown in FIG. 5 is able to be obtained.

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

(145) The vapor-phase axial deposition method and the outside vapor deposition method are also able to be applied to manufacture the optical fiber 30. The vapor-phase axial deposition method and the outside vapor deposition method have advantages such as high productivity.

(146) In the optical fiber 30 a difference in the refractive indices between the trench 23 and the outer cladding layer 24 is in the range described above (refer to Expression (13), and a ratio of the outer circumferential radius of the core 21, the outer circumferential radius of the inner cladding layer 22, and the outer circumferential radius of the trench 23 is in the range described above (refer to Expressions (15) to (17)), 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.

(147) It has been known that the refractive index of the cladding 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.

(148) By adopting the refractive index profile, the optical fiber 30 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.

(149) In the optical fiber 30, the difference in the refractive indices between the trench 23 and the outer cladding layer 24 is small, and thus, the refractive index of the trench 23 and the outer cladding layer 24 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.

(150) In addition, the difference in the refractive indices between the trench 23 and the outer cladding layer 24 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.

(151) Accordingly, the optical fiber 30 is able to be easily manufactured, and manufacturing costs are able to be made low.

(152) In the optical fiber 30, the difference in the refractive indices between the trench 23 and the outer cladding layer 24 is small, and thus, the added amount of the dopant such as fluorine (F) for forming the trench 23 is able to be reduced.

(153) 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.

(154) As described above, the outer circumference radii r1 to r4 of the core 21, the inner cladding layer 22, the trench 23, and the outer cladding layer 24 have a relationship denoted by Expression (14).
r1r2<r3<r4(14)

(155) In the optical fiber 30 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, r1, r2, and r3 are values different from each other, but the present invention includes a case of r1=r2 and r2r3.

(156) FIG. 7 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 r2r3.

(157) In the optical fiber, r1 is identical to r2, and thus the cladding 25 is formed only of the trench 23 and the outer cladding layer 24 formed on the outer circumference side of the trench 23.

(158) 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.

(159) For example, in the optical fiber 30 shown in FIG. 5, the cladding 25 is formed of three lasers (the inner cladding layer, the trench, and the outer cladding layer), but the cladding may include other layers.