Bus optical fiber including low mode volume light source optimally aligned

DETAILED DESCRIPTION What is claimed is: 1.
A distribution optical fiber network, comprising: a multimode optical fiber; N side taps disposed serially on the fiber, N being an integer greater than 1; means for injecting an optical signal into the fiber such that an initial distribution of light modes supported by the fiber from light emitted by the injecting means is lower than an equilibrium light mode distribution for the fiber.
2.
The network of claim 1, the initial distribution of light modes being such that an attenuation induced to the optical signal by a first one of the N taps closest to the injecting means is at least 3 dB lower than it would be if the equilibrium light mode distribution existed within the fiber.
3.
The network of claim 2, the attenuation being at least 6 dB lower.
4.
The network of claim 2, the attenuation being at least 10 dB lower.
5.
The network of claim 1, the initial distribution being lower than a tap induced equilibrium light mode distribution for the fiber as measured at a point downstream from all the N taps.
6.
The network of claim 1, the initial distribution of light modes being such that a desired attenuation induced to the optical signal by a first one of the N taps closest to the injecting means is less than one of first and second interim maximum attenuations obtained when the injecting means is moved in opposite directions from a point where the desired attenuation is induced.
7.
The network of claim 6, the first one of the N taps comprising a read tap which withdraws light through a side of the fiber at a macrobend bend.
8.
The network of claim 1, the N taps comprising read taps which withdraw light from the optical fiber by passing the light through a side of the fiber at a bend.
9.
The network of claim 6, the N taps comprising write taps which inject individual optical signals into the optical fiber by passing the light through a side of the fiber at a fiber bend.
10.
The network of claim 1, the optical fiber comprising a graded index optical fiber having a glass core and cladding, the fiber having a polymeric coating therearound