An Overview of Fiber Optics and Materials

In general, Fiber Optic Cables are constructed from microscopic strands of pure glass that are wound togethieved through a low index of refraction to ensure that light cannot escape the core. This is also what allows the fiber optic material components to serve as a waveguide, transmitting light signals over large distances. On the outermost part of fiber optic cables, a rubber jacket is implemented to prevent the entrance of moisture and protect the cabling from physical damage.
 
Depending on the requirements of fiber optic devices, cabling may come in one of two forms, which are multi-mode and single-mode fibers. With multi-mode fibers, numerous propagation paths and transverse modes are supported, and the core is typically wider in diameter. With such a design, multi-mode fiber optic cables excel at providing short-distance communication links with high power, benefiting many robust systems. With single-mode fibers, a smaller core is present, which serves well for longer distance communication that exceeds 3,300 feet through infrared laser lights.
 
As fiber optics become more accessible for consumer and business communication applications alike, they are rapidly replacing copper wires due to their increased capabilities and reliability. With copper cabling, signals are transferred along metal strands in the form of electrical pulses. Due to this method, copper wiring provides slower speeds of transmission, often capping out at 40 Gbps. With fiber optic devices, on the other hand, speeds can reach upwards of terabits per second, and gigabits have become a low-end standard. Additionally, the strength that fiber optic materials provide allows them to transmit signals over larger distances, covering miles as compared to hundreds of feet. By utilizing light signals, fiber optics are also not affected by electromagnetic interference, which is highly beneficial when used within electronic applications such as fiber optic conductors and Fiber Optic Switches. As fiber optics continue to be developed, these capabilities are only improving, making them highly future-proof as compared to copper cabling.
 
Since the advent of technologies such as fiber optic modulators, fiber optic amplifiers, and more, a great number of industries have benefited beyond communications. With a use in a variety of applications, fiber optic devices now serve military, medical, networking, industrial, and broadcast industries with their capabilities. As we continue to research technology and improve upon it, more applications may find increased performance with such technology. As such, fiber optics can be a worthwhile investment if one is looking to replace conventional copper wiring to increase speeds, strength, and transmissions.