Besides protection, what else must the coating on an optical fiber do?

The coating on an optical fiber must indeed function over a wide temperature range and adhere well to the glass cladding. This is critical because optical fibers are often exposed to varying environmental conditions, and the coating must maintain its integrity without degrading or losing adhesion to the cladding. This adhesion ensures that the protective layer remains in place, which is essential for maintaining the optical performance of the fiber and protecting it from moisture and physical damage.

The capability to function over a wide temperature range is equally important, as fibers can be installed in different settings—from indoor environments with climate control to outdoor conditions where temperature fluctuations can be significant. A coating that can withstand these variations without cracking or peeling contributes to the longevity and reliability of the optical fiber.

While other aspects, such as chemical resistance and tensile strength, are important, the combination of temperature resilience and effective adhesion specifically addresses the protective and functional requirements of optical fibers in practical applications.