Fibre optics

Introduction to Fibre Optics

• Fibre optics is a technology that uses light pulses to transmit information from one place to another.
• Composed of an inner core and an outer cladding, an optical fibre functions by guiding light along its length.
• Fibre optic cables are capable of carrying large amounts of data over long distances with minimum signal loss.

Total Internal Reflection

• The principle of operation of fibre optics is total internal reflection.
• Within the fibre, the incidence angle of light must be greater than the critical angle for total internal reflection to occur.
• Once this happens, the light pulse bounces back and forth off the boundary between the core and the cladding, ensuring the light travels the length of the fibre.
• Total internal reflection ensures the light is confined within the core.

Single-mode and Multi-mode Fibres

• Fibre optics can be categorized into single-mode fibres and multi-mode fibres.
• Single-mode fibres allow only one light path (mode) to transmit data, resulting in less signal degradation and high data capacity. They can transmit signals over long distances.
• Multi-mode fibres allow multiple light paths (modes) to transmit data simultaneously. They are used for short-distance data links.

Advantages of Fibre Optics

• Fibre optic technology is preferred due to its high bandwidth, which means it can carry more data compared to conventional copper cables.
• Fibre optic cables are less susceptible to electromagnetic interference, resulting in a lower error rate.
• Fibre optic cables are smaller and lighter than traditional copper cables.

Applications of Fibre Optics

• Fibre optic technology is used in telecommunications as it allows high-speed and high-capacity data transfer.
• Medicine and research use fibre optics for endoscopies and microscopy.
• Fibre optics are also used in sensing technology, as they can measure temperature, pressure, or position.