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Optical Fiber And What It Can Do

Replacing conventional metal wire, molten silica glass made into a single filament which is known as optical fiber. It converts information into light in a high-capacity, high-speed communication method through optic cable. Primarily used for computer networks, in power lines and video transmission, one of the largest users of this technology are American telephone companies. In 1880 Alexander Graham Bell was the first person to attempt to use light to communicate, but it was not until the mid-twentieth century that it became feasible to use it on a broader basis. Lasers were invented in 1960 and shortly afterwards with the aid of silica glass fibers they carried signals with no loss. The laser was improved upon in 1970 which made it commercially available for use.

Optical fibers are connected to data links through cables that contain light detectors and lasers in communication systems. The signals are converted from analog to digital pulses of laser light and transmitted through video camera or telephone conversation. A light detector then reconverts the signals through the optics and another data link into an electrical signal.

Composed of primarily silicon dioxide, optical fibers are mostly made from liquid silicon tetrachloride in pure oxygen. The purity and composition of the glass used determines the characteristics of the fiber. High fluoride content holds the most promise because of the transparency to most of the range of visible light frequencies. These are valuable for multi-mode fibers that transmit hundreds of light waves concurrently.

Many individual fibers are bound together around a central steel cable or high-strength plastic for support. This is covered with layers of polyethylene, Kevlar or aluminum as protection. Layers of silicon dioxide are deposited inside of a hollow rod using the chemical vapor deposition method. As the gas contacts the surface of the rod a glassy soot forms inside of it. There are single-mode fibers and multi-mode fibers, the first is for longer distances and the second for shorter distances.

Compared to conventional wire metal telecommunications, or copper wire, this method has revolutionized the telecommunications industry. It is less expensive to produce than copper wire and ultimately saves internet and cable television providers money that can thereby be passed on to the consumer. The cables are thinner and can be drawn through smaller diameters than wire.

Since optical fiber is thinner than wire more of them can be fit into a cable offering a higher capacity. This means that over the same line more telephone lines can be carried. This also means that more cable channels can come through your cable television box with less degradation of signal. There is no interference as is noted with wires and this translates to clearer television reception and telephone conversations.

Lower power transmitters can be used instead of high voltage electrical transmitters saving money for the provider and the consumer. There is no fire hazard with this technology. It is lightweight and takes up less ground space.

This technology is perfect for applications requiring flexibility such as in medical imaging, mechanical imaging and plumbing. Many different industries can benefit from optical fiber. It is most commonly utilized in the computer and telecommunications industries. When calling from Europe to the States there is often an echo in the line as it is utilizing satellite communication. With trans-atlantic fiber optic cable there is no echo as the connection is direct.

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