Fiber Optics

Fiber Optics - Contained transmission

August 20th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

Fiber optics is the overlap of applied science and engineering concerned with such optical fibers. Fiber optics is the contained transmission of light through long fiber rods of either glass or plastics. The biggest challenge remaining for fiber optics is economic. Today it is a serious competition for the more established communications systems.

Cables
Fiber optics was needed because television cables were becoming more capable of carrying more information than copper wire so computer and telephone companies needed something to compete. Optical fiber cables can be installed with the same equipment that is used to install copper and coaxial cables, with some modifications due to the small size and limited pull tension and bend radius of optical cables.

Optical cables can typically be installed in duct systems in spans of 6000 meters or more depending on the duct’s condition, layout of the duct system, and installation technique. The longer cables can be coiled at an intermediate point and pulled farther into the duct system as necessary. Installation of spare fibers today is more economical than installing additional cables later.

Fiber optics is based on sending signals by light and the science and technology of optical fibers comes down to transparent thin fibers, usually made of glass or plastic, used for transmitting light and how to send light through without any effort.