Optical Fiber



Optical fiber refers to a thin, flexible, transparent fiber made of glass or plastic, capable of transmitting light signals along its length. It serves as a medium for carrying information through the principle of total internal reflection, where light bounces off the inner walls of the fiber, allowing it to travel long distances without significant attenuation.

Technology



1

Core and Cladding

  • Core : The central region through which light propagates. Made of high-purity glass or plastic to maximize light transmission.
  • Cladding : Surrounds the core, with a lower refractive index to facilitate total internal reflection.
2

Modes of Transmission

  • Single-mode Fiber (SMF): Allows a single mode of light to propagate, ideal for long-distance communication due to low attenuation.
  • Multi-mode Fiber (MMF): Supports multiple modes of light, suitable for shorter distances like local area networks (LANs).
3

Light Sources

  • Lasers: Emit coherent light for high-speed data transmission in single-mode fibers.
  • Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs): Used in multi-mode fibers for shorter-distance applications.
4

Connectors and Couplers

  • Various types like SC (Subscriber Connector), LC (Lucent Connector), and MTP (Multiple-fiber Termination Push-on/Pull-off) ensure compatibility and efficient light coupling between fibers.