Mankind has developed from witnessing an unbearably slow speed of data transmission to a smooth one. Why? 

Fiber optic communication is currently at the peak of the development sector in telecommunication industries. We often wonder how this technology was invented and how its optimum features are beneficial to us.

[1] : Fiber Optic Communication

Evolution of Fiber Optics :

This concept was established through the making of glass in the Bronze age and then, the Romans drawing glass into fiber.

In the mid-1800s, with the discovery of Tyndall effect, it was concluded that light can be tilted. With this revolutionary discovery, optics and its applications gained attention from scientists all over the world.

The first optical telephone, known as photophone was designed and created by Alexander Graham Bell in 1880. The device would allow transmission of sound from one point to another with the aid of a beam of light.

The optical fiber technology then went on to become one of the most visited and developed topics.

What is this technology?

An optical fiber is a very thin fiber drawn from glass or plastic which carries light from one end to another.

Hence fiber optic communication is a method of transmission of data or information by sending pulses of IR (infrared) light through the channel of optical fiber.

Types of Communication Channels :

A communication channel is simply a medium between the transmitter from where the information originates and the receiver which delivers the information.

It can be broadly classified into 2 types : Wired and Non – wired, where optical fiber is one of the wired types.

Construction:

A fiber optic cable is made up of multiple layers to ensure the transmission of data with minimal losses.

Outer Jacket : The outermost and the strongest layer of protection of the cable is the outer jacket. It is mostly orange in colour. It is constructed using plastic to provide resistance towards corrosion and other natural external damages.

Strength Material : To overcome the tension caused during installation, strength material, also called a strengthening fibers are placed under the outer jacket.

Coating : This plastic coating is designed in a way that it absorbs shocks and excessive bends to the cable.

Cladding : Cladding is the first layer of silica glass of the cable. It surrounds the internal core.

Core : The core is a medium constructed of silica glass through which the light travels. [1] The refractive index of the core is always greater than that of the cladding. This ensures the exhibition of total internal reflection which occurs when a light ray moves from a denser medium to a rarer medium with the angle of incidence greater than the critical angle. Hence, the light rays remain in the core and no losses occur.

[2] : Construction

Types of Fiber optic cables :

There are 2 broadly known types of fiber optic cables : single mode and multi-mode.

Modes in a communication channel defines the way how a wave would travel in space and its distribution.

Single mode fiber : In a single mode fiber, the waves travelling might be of different frequencies, but the manner in which they travel is same and hence we obtain a single ray of light. They are utilised for high-precision scientific research purposes.

Multi-mode fiber : This is generally used when data transmission is over a shorter distance. It enables multiple modes of light to be propagated. 

In an optical fiber system, the main contents include :

1.     Transmitter : The modulating signal in such a system is in the form of light, which is superimposed on a carrier signal to ensure the transmission of information. The transmitter generates a light signal.

2.     Optical Fiber or the channel : The signal generated is then passed through the core of the optical fiber. It is less susceptible to noise.

3.     Receiver : The signal is restored and decoded for the user to comprehend over phone, computer, television or other media.

Advantages :

1.     More bandwidth : In the traditional copper cables, the bandwidth of the data was limited. However, even with a smaller cable, optical fibers enable larger bandwidth or data capacity.

2.     Cheaper : As the durability of the cable is high, the cables are less expensive as compared to longer copper cables. They require less power for transmission and stay longer with minimal maintenance.

  

3.     Less susceptibility towards noise : Optical fiber cables are immune to external noise and disturbances due to extra layers of protection over the cable.

4.     Long distance transmission : As the communication channel is not affected by noise, the attenuation of the signal(reduction of amplitude)

Is low and hence the data is transmitted over longer ranges.

5.     More protection : As the modulating signal is light and not an electric signal, the chances of internal shorts and fire damage is extremely low. Hence, these are safer alternatives to copper cables.

6.     Speed : Fiber optics transmit information at a faster rate than via electrical signals.

Applications :

Due to the multiple advantages of this technology, it is used in a variety of industries.

1.     Medical :

Due to the high precision and extremely thin nature, biomedical equipments are designed using this technology. It is also used as laser during surgeries and biomedical research.

2.     Defence :

They are used in fields that require high security data transmission. It is also used in SONAR and as wiring in defence aircrafts.

3.     Communication and Networking:

Huge amount of data can be transmitted over larger distances in telephones as well as through internet without suffering losses.

                                                     

4.     Broadcasting :

Due to the rapid speed and better data capacity, regular coaxial cables are replaces by optical fiber in HD signals transmitted on television.

5.     Mechanical industry :

The minute faults and damages in on-field mechanical jobs and fields can be detected through the precise optical fibers. 

6.     Aesthetic purposes :

The technological benefits of using fiber optic communication are many. However, they are also used in decorations during festivals and occasions. 

References  :

[1]. https://www.scribd.com/document/260756561/Introduction  

Images :

[1]. www.giphy.com - https://www.reddit.com/r/perfectloops/comments/9g0uug/found_these_lines_on_dribbble_a/

[2]. www.studyelectronics.in