A multi-fiber aggregate is provided. The multi-fiber aggregate includes at least two optical fibers, each of the at least two optical fibers having a core member formed from a silica-based glass and an outer cladding layer formed from a silica-based glass surrounding and in direct contact with the core member. The multi-fiber aggregate also includes a polymeric binding coating surrounding the at least two optical fibers and holding the at least two fibers in a predetermined geometry.