15-09-2017, 11:21 AM
An optical fiber or fiber optic fiber is a flexible and transparent fiber made of glass (silica) or plastic of a slightly thicker diameter than that of a human hair. Optical fibers are most often used as a means of transmitting light between the two ends of the fiber and find widespread use in fiber optic communications where they allow transmission over longer distances and longer bandwidths ( data speeds) than the cables. Fibers are used instead of metal wires because the signals travel along them with less loss; in addition, the fibers are immune to electromagnetic interference, a problem of which the metal wires suffer excessively. Fibers are also used for illumination and imaging and are often wrapped in bundles so that they can be used to carry light or images out of confined spaces, such as in the case of a fibro-scope. Specially designed fibers are also used for a variety of other applications, some of which are fiber optic sensors and fiber lasers.
The optical fibers typically include a core surrounded by a transparent coating material with a lower refractive index. Light is maintained in the core by the phenomenon of total internal reflection that makes the fiber act as a waveguide. Fibers that support many propagation paths or transverse modes are called multi-mode fibers (MMF), while those that support a single mode are called single-mode fibers (SMF). Multiple-mode fibers generally have a wider core diameter and are used for short-distance communication links and for applications where high-power transmission is to be carried out. Single-mode fibers are used for most communication links over 1,000 meters (3,300 feet).
Listed below are some of the most popular uses of fiber optic cables.
Internet
Fiber optic cables transmit large amounts of data at very high speeds. This technology is widely used in Internet cables. Compared to traditional copper cables, fiber optic cables are less bulky, lighter, more flexible and carry more data.
Cable TV
The use of fiber optic cables in the transmission of cable signals has grown explosively over the years. These cables are ideal for transmitting signals to HDTVs, as they have higher bandwidth and speed. In addition, fiber optic cables are cheaper compared to the same amount of copper wire.
Phone
Calling phones in or out of the country has never been so easy. With the use of fiber optic communication, you can connect faster and have clear conversations without any delay on both sides.
Computer networks
Networking between computers in a single building or between nearby structures is made easier and faster with the use of fiber optic cables. Users can see a marked decrease in the time it takes to transfer files and information over networks.
Surgery and Dentistry
Fiber optic cables are widely used in the fields of medicine and research. Optical communication is an important part of non-intrusive surgical methods, popularly known as endoscopy. In such applications, one minute, bright light is used to illuminate the area of surgery within the body, making it possible to reduce the number and size of the incisions made. Optical fibers are also used in microscopy and biomedical research.
Lighting and decorations
The use of fiber optics in the area of decorative lighting has also grown over the years. Fiber optic cables provide an easy, economical and attractive solution for lighting projects. As a result, they are widely used in lighting and lighting decorations for Christmas trees.
Mechanical inspections
Fiber optic cables are widely used in the inspection of hard-to-reach places. Some of these applications are on-site inspections for engineers and also pipe inspection for plumbers.
Military and Space Applications
With the high level of data security required in military and aerospace applications, fiber optic cables offer the ideal solution for data transmission in these areas.
Automotive industry
Fiber optic cables play an important role in the lighting and safety features of today's cars. They are widely used in lighting both inside and outside vehicles. Due to its ability to conserve space and provide superior illumination, fiber optics are used in more vehicles every day. In addition, fiber optic cables can transmit signals between different parts of the vehicle at the speed of light. This makes them invaluable in the use of safety applications such as traction control and airbags.
The optical fibers typically include a core surrounded by a transparent coating material with a lower refractive index. Light is maintained in the core by the phenomenon of total internal reflection that makes the fiber act as a waveguide. Fibers that support many propagation paths or transverse modes are called multi-mode fibers (MMF), while those that support a single mode are called single-mode fibers (SMF). Multiple-mode fibers generally have a wider core diameter and are used for short-distance communication links and for applications where high-power transmission is to be carried out. Single-mode fibers are used for most communication links over 1,000 meters (3,300 feet).
Listed below are some of the most popular uses of fiber optic cables.
Internet
Fiber optic cables transmit large amounts of data at very high speeds. This technology is widely used in Internet cables. Compared to traditional copper cables, fiber optic cables are less bulky, lighter, more flexible and carry more data.
Cable TV
The use of fiber optic cables in the transmission of cable signals has grown explosively over the years. These cables are ideal for transmitting signals to HDTVs, as they have higher bandwidth and speed. In addition, fiber optic cables are cheaper compared to the same amount of copper wire.
Phone
Calling phones in or out of the country has never been so easy. With the use of fiber optic communication, you can connect faster and have clear conversations without any delay on both sides.
Computer networks
Networking between computers in a single building or between nearby structures is made easier and faster with the use of fiber optic cables. Users can see a marked decrease in the time it takes to transfer files and information over networks.
Surgery and Dentistry
Fiber optic cables are widely used in the fields of medicine and research. Optical communication is an important part of non-intrusive surgical methods, popularly known as endoscopy. In such applications, one minute, bright light is used to illuminate the area of surgery within the body, making it possible to reduce the number and size of the incisions made. Optical fibers are also used in microscopy and biomedical research.
Lighting and decorations
The use of fiber optics in the area of decorative lighting has also grown over the years. Fiber optic cables provide an easy, economical and attractive solution for lighting projects. As a result, they are widely used in lighting and lighting decorations for Christmas trees.
Mechanical inspections
Fiber optic cables are widely used in the inspection of hard-to-reach places. Some of these applications are on-site inspections for engineers and also pipe inspection for plumbers.
Military and Space Applications
With the high level of data security required in military and aerospace applications, fiber optic cables offer the ideal solution for data transmission in these areas.
Automotive industry
Fiber optic cables play an important role in the lighting and safety features of today's cars. They are widely used in lighting both inside and outside vehicles. Due to its ability to conserve space and provide superior illumination, fiber optics are used in more vehicles every day. In addition, fiber optic cables can transmit signals between different parts of the vehicle at the speed of light. This makes them invaluable in the use of safety applications such as traction control and airbags.