Fibre Optics Overview and Applications

A glass cable with a very thin strand, coated in plastic, that transmits light signals for communication.

The phenomenon where light waves traveling from a denser to a less dense medium, at an angle greater than the critical angle, reflect back into the first medium.

Signals that vary continuously over time.

Signals that represent information using discrete values.

A single unit of digital information, represented as a 0 or 1.

A device that produces a concentrated beam of light.

Loss of signal strength over distance.

Locations along long-distance fiber optic lines that receive, reamplify, and retransmit signals.

The smallest radius of curvature a fiber optic cable can be bent without causing additional signal loss or breakage.

Procedures to avoid damaging or bending fibre optic cables during installation and use.

Cleaning fibre optic connectors before connecting them to prevent signal loss and damage.

Joints connecting two fiber optic cables.

The process of transferring optical power from one fiber optic component to another.

Allowing the transfer of optical power between components in a fiber optic system.

Dependent on more than just attenuation and dispersion; other properties like modal noise and pulse broadening can also affect performance.

Important steps to avoid damage to fibre optic cables, such as not bending them too sharply, not placing heavy items, avoiding sharp corners, and cleaning connectors.

Tasks requiring specialist training and equipment, performed by qualified personnel to connect or disconnect optical fibers.

Cleaved fiber ends are extremely sharp and can cause severe injury (skin, eye, or internal).

Fiber splicing using mechanical fixtures and materials to precisely align and connect fiber ends.

Fiber splicing technique melting or fusing the ends of two fibers together.

Optimal fiber splicing resulting from proper fiber end preparation and alignment.

Differences in fiber structures causing issues in connection and signal transfer.

Essential for minimizing connection failures during fiber work.

A device that joins two optical fibers or groups of fibers, allowing for repeated disconnections/reconnections without significant light transmission loss.

A connector that brings the prepared ends of two fibers into close contact for joining.

A connector that joins optical fibers without direct physical contact using a beam of light to transfer the signal.

A connector that uses cylindrical plugs (ferrules) with precision holes for fiber insertion and alignment.

The process of positioning fiber ends precisely for optimal light transmission.

A thin, flexible strand of glass or plastic used to transmit light signals.

The loss of light signal occurring during connection of Optical Fibers.

A device that converts electrical signals into optical signals for transmission over fiber optic cables.

The component within a fiber optic transmitter responsible for generating the optical signal, typically either a LED or a laser diode.

A physical interface that allows the optical fiber to connect to the transmitter or receiver, enabling the transfer of light.

A short length of fiber optic cable directly attached to the optical source of a transmitter.

The efficiency and reliability of transmitting data over a fiber optic link, determined by factors like optical power and signal quality.

LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and laser diodes are both optical sources, but lasers provide a more focused and powerful beam of light, making them suitable for longer distances and higher data rates.

Common packaging styles for fiber optic transmitters, using encapsulated components or integrated circuits on a small printed circuit board.

A fibre optic receiver converts a weakened and distorted optical signal back into an electrical signal, enabling data processing.

An optical detector converts an incoming optical signal into an electrical signal, mirroring the original signal sent by the transmitter.

Distortion refers to any changes in the signal that occur during its transmission through the optical fibre, reducing its quality.

A typical fibre optic receiver includes an optical detector, a low-noise amplifier, and additional circuitry to create the electrical output.

The amplifier boosts the weak electrical signal to a level suitable for further processing by other electronic devices.

Semiconductor photodiodes are a common type of optical detector used in fibre optic systems, converting light into electrical current.

Photocurrent is the electrical current generated by the semiconductor photodiode when optical energy (photons) hits it.

Simple receivers consist of only an optical detector and a load resistor, while more complex receivers include preamplifiers, post amplifiers, and other circuitry for better signal quality.