Fiber Optics: Principle of Operation

FIBER OPTICS
Fiber optics is a technology that uses glass (or plastics) threads

(fibers) to transmit data. A fiber optic cable consists of a bundle of
glass threads, each of which is capable of transmitting messages
modulated onto light waves. An optical fiber is a single, hair-fine
filament drawn from molten silica glass. These fibers are replacing
metal wire as the transmission medium in high-speed, high-capacity
communication systems that convert information into light, which is
then transmitted via fiber optic cable.
Principle of operation
An optical fiber is a cylindrical dielectric waveguide that
transmits light along its axis, by the process of total internal
reflection. The fiber consists of a core surrounded by a cladding
layer, both of which are made of dielectric materials. To confine the
optical signal in the core, the refractive index must be greater than
that of cladding.
Total Internal Refraction
When light travelling in an optically dense medium hits a
boundary at a step angle(larger than the critical angle for the
boundary), the light is completely reflected. This effect is used in
optical fibers to confine light in the core. Light travels through the
fiber core, bouncing back and forth the boundary between the core
and cladding. Because the light must strike the boundary with an
angle greater than the critical angle, only light that enters the fiber
within a certain range of angles can travel down the fiber without
leaking out.
Internal Structure of Fiber Optics
Types of Fiber Optics

 Single-mode fibers- have small cores (about 3.5 x 10-4 inches
or 9 microns in diameter) and transmit infrared laser light
(wavelength = 1,300 to 1,550 nanometers).
 Multi-mode fibers- have larger cores (about 2.5 x 10-3 inches
or 62.5 microns in diameter) and transmit infrared light
(wavelength = 850 to 1,300 nm) from lighting-emitting diodes
(LEDs).
 Some optical fibers can be made from plastic. These fibers have
a large core (0.04 inches or 1 mm diameter) and transmit
visible red light( wavelength = 650 nm) from LEDs.
Applications
The use and demand for optical fiber has grown tremendously
and optical fiber applications are numerous. Telecommunication
applications are widespread, ranging from global networks to
desktop computers. These involve the transmission of voice, data or
video over distances of less than a meter to hundreds of kilometres,
using one of a few standard fiber designs in order of several cable
designs.
Optical fiber is also used extensively for transmission of data.
Multinational firms need secure, reliable systems to transfer data
and financial information between buildings to the desktop terminals
or computers and to transfer data around the world. Cable television
companies also use fiber for delivery of digital video and data
services. The high bandwidth provided by fiber makes it the perfect
choice for transmitting broadband signals such as high-definition
television (HDTV) telecasts.
Intelligent transportation systems, such as smart highways with
intelligent traffic lights, automated tollbooths and chageable
message signs, also use fiber-optic-based telemetry systems.
Another important application for optical fiber is the biomedical
industry, space, automotive, military and the industrial sector.
Advantages of Fiber Optics
 Less expensive- Several miles of optical cable can be made
cheaper than equivalent lengths of copper wire.
 Higher carrying capacity- Because optical fibers are thinner
than copper wires, more fibers can be bundled into a given-
diameter than copper wires. This allows more lines to go over
the same cable or more channels to come through the cable
into your cable box.
 Higher bandwidth- Fiber optic cables can carry far more dara
than copper cables of the same diameter.
 Less signal degradation- The loss of signal in optical fiver is less
than in copper wire.
 Low power consumed- Because signals in optical fibers
degrade less, lower-power transmitters can be used instead of
the high-voltage electrical transmitters needed for copper
wires.
Disadvantages of Fiber Optics
The main disadvantage if fiber optics is that the cables are
expensive to install. In addition, they are more fragile than wire and
are difficult to splice.

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FIBER OPTICS

Fiber optics is a technology that uses glass (or plastics) threads

Types of Fiber Optics

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