Corning® SMF-28e® Photonic Fiber

Extreme Precision for Demanding OEM Applications

Photonic
Materials

PI1446
Issued: April 2005
Supersedes: January 2005
ISO 9001 Resistered

Corning’s SMF-28e® photonic fiber provides further evidence of Corning’s long

history of service to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The fiber’s attrib-
utes, specifically customized for optical connectorization and component applica-
tions, allow OEMs to reduce manufacturing cost, standardize processes and improve
performance. SMF-28e photonic fiber delivers the quality, versatility and proven
performance our customers count on for their components.

Features
• Industry-leading optical and geometry specifications
• Exceptional performance and splice-ability
• Standard 200 kpsi proof-test
• Suitable for all transmission systems and fully compatible with SMF-28e® optical
fiber, the world’s most widely demanded full-spectrum fiber
• In compliance with or exceeding the industry’s most stringent requirements including:
• ITU-T G.652 (Categories A, B, C & D)
• IEC Specifications 60793-2-50 Type B1.3
• TIA/EIA 492-CAAB
• Telcordia’s GR-20
Applications
• Connectors
• Couplers
• Pigtails
• DWDM components
• Other components
The Single-Mode Fiber for Connectors and Components
Corning uses its legendary geometry control and quality leadership to manufacture SMF-28e photonic
fiber. We focus on tailoring product attributes that allow OEMs to minimize scrap and overall insertion
loss while improving active and splice performance. Through precise manufacturing techniques, we
assure geometric performance along the entire length of fiber while maintaining nominal mode-field
performance.

We proof stress the entire length of SMF-28e photonic fiber to ≥ 200 kpsi, which provides OEMs with
increased reliability and reduced handling concerns. In addition, we specify a fiber cut-off wavelength of
1280 nm, enabling operability at both 1310 nm and 1550 nm in bare fiber applications.

Designed for Versatility and Performance

For better understanding of the applicable value to customers, Corning has completed studies using
active and passive alignment techniques as well as modeled results. This research shows that signifi-
cant splice performance improvement can result from focusing on nominal geometry performance
and reducing deviation of a fiber’s core-clad concentricity, cladding diameter, cladding non-circulari-
ty and fiber curl. This improvement minimizes high-loss outliers and reduces the average splice loss,
contributing to maximized OEM process efficiencies.

Corning manufactures the family of SMF-28e fibers using an outside vapor deposition (OVD)
process, which produces a totally synthetic, ultra-pure fiber. As a result, Corning fibers have consis-
tent geometric properties, high strength and low attenuation. OEMs can count on Corning SMF-
28e photonic fiber to deliver excellent performance and reliability, reel after reel. Measurement
methods comply with ITU Recommendations G.650, IEC 60793-1 and Telcordia GR-20-CORE.
Optical Specifications
Fiber Attenuation Fiber Cutoff Wavelength ( λcf )
Maximum Attenuation λcf ≤ 1280 nm
Wavelength Maximum Value*
(nm) (dB/km) Mode-Field Diameter
1310 ≤0.35 Wavelength MFD
1383** ≤0.35 (nm) (µm)
1550 ≤0.20 1310 9.2 ± 0.4
1625 ≤0.23 1550 10.4 ± 0.5
*Maximum specified attenuation value available within the stated ranges.
**Attenuation values at this wavelength represent post-hydrogen Dispersion
aging performance.
Alternate attenuation offerings available upon request. Wavelength Dispersion Value
(nm) [ps/(nm•km)]
Attenuation vs. Wavelength
1550 ≤18.0
Range Ref. λ Max. α Difference
1625 ≤22.0
(nm) (nm) (dB/km)
1285 – 1330 1310 0.03
Zero Dispersion Wavelength (λ0): 1302 nm ≤ λ0 ≤ 1322 nm
1525 – 1575 1550 0.02
Zero Dispersion Slope (S0): ≤ 0.089 ps/(nm2•km)
The attenuation in a given wavelength range does not exceed the
attenuation of the reference wavelength (λ) by more than the value α.
Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD)
Macrobend Loss
Value (ps/√km)
Mandrel Number Wavelength Induced
PMD Link Design Value ≤0.06*
Diameter of (nm) Attenuation*
Maximum Individual Fiber ≤0.2
(mm) Turns (dB)
*Complies with IEC 60794-3: 2001, Section 5.5, Method 1,
32 1 1550 ≤0.05 (m = 20, Q = 0.01%), September 2001.
50 100 1310 ≤0.05
50 100 1550 ≤0.05 The PMD link design value is a term used to describe the PMD of
60 100 1625 ≤0.05 concatenated lengths of fiber (also known as PMDQ ). This value repre-
*The induced attenuation due to fiber wrapped around a mandrel of sents a statistical upper limit for total link PMD. Individual PMD val-
a specified diameter.
ues may change when fiber is cabled. Corning’s fiber specification sup-
Point Discontinuity ports network design requirements for a 0.20 ps/√km maximum PMD.
Wavelength Point Discontinuity
(nm) (dB)
1310 ≤0.05
1550 ≤0.05

Dimensional Specifications
Glass Geometry Coating Geometry

Fiber Curl ≥ 5.0 m radius of curvature Coating Diameter 245 ± 5 µm

Cladding Diameter 125.0 ± 0.3 µm Coating-Cladding Concentricity <12 µm
Core-Clad Concentricity ≤ 0.30 µm Coloring Diameter 250 + 15/-9 µm
Cladding Non-Circularity ≤ 0.7%

Environmental Specifications
Induced Attenuation
Environmental Test Test Condition 1310 nm, 1550 nm & 1625 nm
(dB/km)
Temperature Dependence -60°C to +85°C* ≤0.05
Temperature Humidity Cycling -10ºC to +85ºC* up to 98% RH ≤0.05
Water Immersion 23º± 2ºC ≤0.05
Heat Aging 85º± 2ºC* ≤0.05
Damp Heat 85°C at 85% RH ≤0.05
*Reference temperature = +23ºC

Operating Temperature Range: -60ºC to +85ºC

Mechanical Specifications
For More Information
Proof Test
For more information about Corning’s
The entire fiber length is subjected to a tensile
leadership in specialty fiber technology, visit
stress ≥200 kpsi (1.4 GPa)*. our website at
*Higher proof test levels available. www.corning.com/photonicmaterials.
To obtain additional technical information
Length
or an engineering sample, or to place an
Fiber lengths available up to 25.2* km/spool. order for this product, please contact us:
*Longer spliced lengths available.
Phone: +1-607-974-9974
Fax: +1-607-974-4122
Performance Characterizations E-mail: [email protected]

Characterized parameters are typical values.

Core Diameter 8.2 µm
Corning, SMF-28, SMF-28e are registered trademarks
Numerical Aperture 0.14 of Corning Incorporated, Corning, N.Y.
NA is measured at the one percent Any warranty of any nature relating to any Corning
power level of a one-dimensional optical fiber is only contained in the written agreement
between Corning Incorporated and the direct purchaser
far-field scan at 1310 nm. of such fiber.
Zero Dispersion ©2005, Corning Incorporated
Wavelength (λ0 ) 1313 nm
Zero Dispersion Slope (S0 ) 0.086 ps/(nm2•km)
Refractive Index Difference 0.36%
Effective Group Index
of Refraction (Neff ) 1310 nm: 1.4677
1550 nm: 1.4682
Fatigue Resistance
Parameter (Nd ) 20
Coating Strip Force Dry: 0.6 lbs. (3N)
Wet, 14-day room temperature:
0.6 lbs. (3N)
Rayleigh Backscatter
Coefficient 1310 nm: -77 dB
(for 1 ns Pulse Width) 1550 nm: -82 dB
Individual Fiber
Polarization Mode
Dispersion 0.02 ps/√km

Formulas
Dispersion

Cladding Non-Circularity