History of Fibre Optics

History of Fibre Optics

A Long, Long Time Ago Who would have thought that such an important and modern technology would have had its start over 100 years ago. But that’s the truth! Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, also invented a machine called the photophone. He called it his most important invention. It could transmit sound using a beam of light-very similar to modern fibre optics. And this was only in 1880! Unfortunately, without advanced lasers, the technology wasn’t very practical. The 1st Generation Fibre optics were originally proposed in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until 1970 that they were successfully developed. It was at this time that lasers were developed that could be transmitted long distances. The first started being used for communication purposes. Finally, in 1977, the technology really started to become viable. It was the year after that the first fibre optic cable system in the world was installed in Hastings, East Sussex, UK. Although it is not currently in use, it worked for years providing television services to the surrounding area. The Middle Eras As fibre optics moved into the 80s and 90s, it slowly grew faster and faster. During it’s 2nd and 3rd generations, this was due to the discovery of indium gallium arsenide alloy. Soon optical amplification and wavelength-division multiplexing came into play. These technologies allow more data capacity and greater speed. Where It Is Now Fibre optics technology is now in what is known as its 5th generation. Scientists...

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How Fibre Optics Work

How Fibre Optics Work

The basic technology behind fibre optics is rather simple, when it comes down to it. Transmitter It all starts with the transmitter. Positioned close to the fibre, this produces light signals and flashes the light into the fibre. Optical Fibre This is where fibre optics gets its name. Each fibre is a long, thin strand of pure glass. It’s about the size of a human hair. Despite it’s tiny size, there are three different parts to each individual fibre. The core is in the direct centre of the fibre, where the light travels. The cladding is the outer material that bounces the light back into the core as it travels down the fibre. The buffer coating is made of plastic and protects the fibre from water and other damage. Each of these fibres are grouped in hundreds and hundreds into bundles called optical cables. Like each individual fibre, these cables are encased in a plastic jacket. After the light is transmitted into the fibre, the fibre works as a mirror to reflect and convey the light-and therefore, the information-across great distances, even when it’s not a straight line. This is called total internal reflection. Because the cladding doesn’t absorb any light, it can go very far. However, if the glass is impure, the light can degrade. Optical Regenerator The next step solves the problem of degraded light. The regenerator boosts the light signals over longer distances and brings the power of the light back...

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Using Fibre Optics

Using Fibre Optics

The main uses for fibre optics have already been mentioned on this blog: communication technologies. The ability to transfer information literally at the speed of light has been a tremendous leap for internet, television, and phone usage. Benefits But why are fibre optics so perfect for this? Saves Money and Power Fibre optics are less expensive to make in the first place, as they don’t use copper. They use less energy, saving you and your company both power and money. In addition, being made by non-flammable materials, there is absolutely no fire danger with fibre options. Takes Less Space Fibre optics are so thin and lightweight that they are able to be bundled in larger quantities while still taking up less space than copper wires. The tiny size, combined with great flexibility, makes them perfect for use in cameras and other small electronics. Better Signals Because they can be bundled in larger quantities, fibre optics have a higher carrying capacity. More information can be carried through less physical space. And that information can be conveyed much more clearly. The fibre optics provide minimal interference and less signal degradation. Other Uses Outside of the communication realm, fibre optics are helping many other technologies-especially in digital imaging. As previously mentioned, the tiny fibres are perfect for use in digital cameras of all kinds. From the camera you use every day to high-tech medical imaging tools, it is even used in the cameras that are even used...

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Fibre Optics in Internet and Technology

The history of fibre optics is longer than you might think. This technology had its earliest beginnings well over a century ago. It has since evolved into a technology that we all use. As laser technology has improved, so has fibre optics, and it has slowly gotten faster and faster. From cell phones to your cable television box to the new, speedy fibre internet available in many homes, fibre optics have improved so much of our lives. From the late 1800s to the current 5th generation of the technology, find all about fibre optics here.

The Technology

The Technology

From the core to the cladder, from the regenerator to the receiver, the technology behind fibre optics is rather simple in theory. Once you know all the parts, it’s easy to understand.

Application

Application

Fibre optics have so many benefits that it is a wonder they are not more popular. Fibre internet is starting to explode. In the future fibre optics will be part of almost every technology.