Optical fiber (fiber) is a glass or plastic fiber that carries light along its length. Optical fibers are widely used in fiber-optic communications, which permits transmission over longer distances and at higher bandwidths than other forms of communications. Fibers are used instead of metal wires because signals travel along them with less loss , and they are also immune to electromagnetic interference. Fibers are also used for illumination, and are wrapped in bundles so they can be used to carry images, thus allowing viewing in tight spaces. Specially designed fibers are used for a variety of other applications, including sensors and fiber lasers.

The light use in fiber optic transmission is is kept in the core of the optical fiber by total internal reflection. This causes the fiber to act as a waveguide Fibers which support many propagation paths or transverse modes are called multi-mode fibers (MMF), while those which can only support a single mode are called single-mode fibers SMF). Multi-mode fibers generally have a larger core diameter, and are used for short-distance communication links and for applications where high power must be transmitted. Joining lengths of optical fiber is more complex than joining electrical wire or cable. The ends of the fibers must be carefully cleaved, and then spliced together either mechanically or by fusing them together with an electric arc.

Course Objectives

• Describe the different types of optical cables and their applications.
• Discuss how optical systems operate.
• Apply the terms used with fiber optics.
• Describe the types and applications of fiber optic joints.
• Apply the use the fiber optic color code.
• Summarize the differences between mechanical and fusion splicing.
• Understand the application and operation of optical test equipment.
• Summarize the methods and techniques for correct and safe fiber installation.
• Describe Optical Light Sources: LEDs and Lasers and Optical Receivers: PIN & APD
• Define the applications of Vertical Cavity Side Emitting Lasers
• Demonstrate knowledge of the applications and operation of optical test equipment.