Fibre optics has transformed the digital world and drastically improved people’s quality of life. Its significance and the necessity to understand it therefore cannot be overemphasized. In this article, we explain what fibre optics is, how it works and its various applications. We also explore its pros and cons as well as Sanopti’s role in the manufacture and sale of its products and services.
What is Fibre Optics?
Fibre Optics is the technology that relays data or information as light signals through plastic or glass strands. These strands are usually thinner than human hair. When bundled together, they form a fibre optic cable which can contain as few as two strands to as many as hundreds.
Unlike the traditional electrical cables, fibre optic cables can transmit larger volumes of information over longer distances and at higher speed. Fibre optic cables cannot conduct electricity and therefore are safer to use. They also aren’t subject to electromagnetic interference.
How Do Fibre Optics Work?
Light signals are encoded with data at the relaying source and transmitted to the destination where the data is decoded. During transmission, the light signals repeatedly bounce off the cable walls at varying refraction indexes. The refraction depends on the fibre optic size specifications.
The signals move down the core - the middle part of the cable - whose diameter is about five to 10 microns. The core is wrapped in a cladding which is ten times bigger. Due to its lower refraction index, the cladding ensures the light signals are contained within the core. The cladding is in turn surrounded by an outer coating of plastic for physical protection.
History of Fibre Optics
Late 18th Century to 1840s
The concept of fibre optics dates back to the late 18th century when French brothers Claude and Ignace Chappe invented the first optical telegraph. Nearly half a century later in the 1840s, French inventors Jacques Babinet and Daniel Colladon founded the principle for fibre optics by demonstrating how light could be guided through refraction.
The 19th Century
Among the notable 19th century inventors who further developed the concept of fibre optics include John Tyndall and Henry Saint-Rene, a French engineer. Henry made an initial attempt at television by a system of guiding light images through bent glass rods.
The 1950s
However, it was not until in the 1950s that the first real fibre optical cable was invented by Narinder Singh Kapany. Kapany later coined the term fibre optics and is widely regarded as the father of fiber optics. The advancement of fibre optics continued in subsequent decades with the inaugural all-optic fibre cable being laid across the Pacific Ocean in 1996. Since then, various industries have increasingly used fibre optic technology in their operations.
Types of Fibre Optic Cables
Fibre optic cables come in two types – singlemode and multimode. A mode is the path followed by the light signals when traveling along the fibre.
What is Singlemode?
The singlemode fibre consists of an extremely thin core through which all the signals travel in a single beam. The beam doesn’t bounce off the cable wall. This offers a more direct route and facilitates the transmission of signals over a longer distance.
The singlemode fibre optic cables are mostly used in internet, telephone communication and cable television.
What is Multimode?
Multimode fibre simultaneously carries multiple light beams allowing for transmission of more data at a go. Unlike the singlemode fibre, the light beams in multimode fibre bounce off the edges. This limits the distance over which they can travel. It also exposes them to more possibility for interference and signal transmission losses.
Multimode fibre optic cables is ideal for use in communication networks that cover shorter distances such as within buildings or institutional campuses. This is because the signal quality degrades as the distance increases.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Fibre Optics?
Fibre optics have many advantages over other traditional forms of transmitting data or information.
The Advantages
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High bandwidth capacity
Compared to copper cables, fibre optic cables have higher bandwidth which can facilitate livestreaming of High Density videos, cloud applications and video conferences without buffering or technical glitches.
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Non-metallic
Fibre optic cables are less prone to signal loss, electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. Information can thus move at a higher speed and over a greater distance.
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No electromagnetic radiation
This shields fibre optic cables from tapping or interception and thus are the most secure for transmitting sensitive information.
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Less distance limitation
Unlike copper cables which have a distance limit of 100 metres in the absence of a booster, the operability of fibre can go up to 40 kilometres.
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Lighter
Fibre optic cables are thinner, more durable and nearly 13 times lighter than copper cables with the same signal carrying capacity. They are therefore easier to install and need less cabling duct space.
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Unaffected by temperature
Because fibre optic is not as susceptible to temperature changes as copper, it can be submerged in water.
Notwithstanding the advantages, fibre optics also have their downsides.
The Disadvantages
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Expensive
Fibre optic cables are more expensive than copper making them less favorable economically to home networks or small businesses.
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Specialized installation
Fibre optic cables require specialists and special test equipment to install. This can be costlier and labor intensive.
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Fragile
Fibre optic cables are more expensive than copper making them less favorable economically to home networks or small businesses.
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Affected by curving
Fibre optic cables are more expensive than copper making them less favorable economically to home networks or small businesses.
Applications of Fibre Optics
Fibre optics are used in many industries due to their reliability and faster connectivity.
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Telephone
Fibre optics play a key role in telephone connectivity and greatly enhance cellular communication. Since the cables can be laid under sea or underground, there is little electromagnetic interference from the surroundings. This maintains the signal strength and facilitates uninterrupted data flow.
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Medical industry
Due to their thinness and flexibility, fibre optics are used in illuminating specific parts inside the body. Doctors rely on medical instruments integrated with fibre optics to conduct tests such as endoscopy, MRI scans, X-ray imaging, surgical microscopy and light therapy.
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Military and Aerospace
The fact that data transmitted via fibre optics can’t be intercepted make them ideal for secure communication in the military and aerospace applications.
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Communication
The large bandwidth and high density features make fibre optics most preferable for transmitting video, data and voice signals. Sanopti offers various optical transceivers ideal for telecommunication and data transmission between distances ranging up to 160 km.
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Cable TV and Internet
Fibre optics are often used in cable TV applications and internet systems due to their high transmission speed and the capacity to relay signals to multiple destinations. Sanopti transceivers are compatible with various computer network devices such as routers, hubs and switches. The transceivers are designed to make your connectivity and experience seamless.
Fibre Optics Products and Services offered by Sanopti
Sanopti is a global Chinese company that specializes in the manufacture and sale of optical related products and services. They include optical transceivers, active optical and direct attach cables, and passive optical network (PON) transceivers which are unparalleled in quality.
Sanopti offers special product customization that allows clients to customize their products with their own preferences including label, design and packaging. Please visit www.sanopti.com for more information on the company’s products and services.
The Contribution of Sanopti in the Fibre Optics Industry
Sanopti comprises a team of PhDs who specialize in optical chip research. Since its inception in 2020, Sanopti has distinguished itself as an authority in the industry by developing over 40 patents and the 50GB/s VCSEL optical chip. It has also secured the trust of international brands for original equipment manufacture (OEM) services within just four years of its existence. Besides thoroughly testing all products, all Sanopti standard products have a three-year free warranty. The company also offers a 24/7 inquiry service.
Conclusion
The fibre optic technology continues to advance and its applications to diversify. The multiple advantages that fibre optics offer over copper cables means that the world will increasingly embrace their use. With young companies such as Sanopti quickly revolutionizing the fibre optics landscape, the industry and our digital infrastructure can only get better. Consequently, the global population can expect to experience enhanced communication, faster connectivity and transformed lives.
