Mechanical characterization of optical-fiber coatings by ultramicroindentation measurements.
A new method is described for in situ determination of the viscoelastic properties of optical-fiber coatings. The creep function of such a coating is deduced from measurement of the penetration depth of a spherical indenter after applying a very low loading force. The method is illustrated with results on layers with different curing times and on various types of soft buffer coating.