Fiber Optics

Mr. Aditya Gupta*1

Abstract
The Optical fiber communications have changed our lives in many ways over the last four decades there is no doubt that low-loss optical
transmission fibers have been critical to the enormous success of optical communications technology. There is no doubt that low loss
optical transmission fibers have been critical to the enormous success of optical communications technology. At one end of the system is
a transmitter. This is the place of origin for information coming on to fiber-optic lines. The transmitter accepts coded electronic pulse
information coming from copper wire. It then processes and translates that information into equivalently coded light pulses. A light-
emitting diode (LED) or an injection-laser diode (ILD) can be used for generating the light pulses. Using a lens, the light pulses are
funneled into the fiber-optic medium where they travel down the cable.

Keywords: Optical fiber; Reflection; Cladding; Single mode; Multi-mode.

1. INTRODUCTION

An optical fiber (optical fiber) is a flexible, transparent fiber made of extruded glass or plastic, slightly thicker than
a human hair. Its function is to guide visible and infrared light over long distances. Optical fibers are widely used
in fiber-optic communications, where they permit transmission over longer distances and at higher bandwidths than
wire cables.

2. STRUCTURE OF OPTICAL FIBER

Fig1: Structural image of optical fiber

• Core – The inner most region is the light guiding region which is known as core. The core diameter vary from
about 5um to 25 um.

• Cladding –The refractive index of cladding is always less than core. It helps to keep the light within the core
throughout the phenomena of total internal reflection. The cladding diameter varies from 25 to 125

• Buffer Coating – This coating protects the cladding and the core from scratches, contamination and the harmful
influence of moisture. Its diameter varies from 125 to 625um
 2.1 Total Internal Reflection:

When a ray of light travels from a denser to a rarer medium such that the angle of incidence is greater than the
critical angle, the ray reflects back into the same medium this phenomena is called total internal reflection. In the
optical fiber the rays undergo repeated total number of reflections until it emerges out of the other end of the fiber,
even if the fiber is bent.

Fig2: Total internal reflection

3. TYPES OF OPTICAL FIBER:

Optical fiber is classified into three categories based on

There are three types of optical fiber:

1. Single mode step index fiber

2. Multimode step index fiber
3. Multimode graded index fiber

• a) Single mode step index fiber – A single mode index fiber has a smaller core diameter and can support only one
mode of propogation . The value of refractive index changes abruptly at the core clad interface because of it is
known as step index fiber.It has a small exceptance angle and small numerical aperture .

• b) Multimode step index fiber – It has a large core diameter and can support a nos of modes of propogation.It is
very much similar to the single mode step index fiber except core diameter . In this the light travels in a zig zag path
which is permitted in the multimode step index fiber.

• c) Multimode graded index fiber- A graded index fiber is a multimode fiber with a core consisting of concentric
layers of different refractive index . It has the high value at the center and falls off with incrasing the radial distance
from the axis
 3. APPLICATIONS

• In is used in the communication like telephones , cable tv , etc

• It is used in the field of medical like cardiology, laser angioplasty.

• Coherent optical fiber is used to enhance the image display on tv .

• It is used for the military purpose also.

• It is used as the sensor in the transducer and temperature equipment

• It is also used in the pollution detector .

3.1 advantage:

• Optical fiber are cheaper

• Optical fibers are small in size, light in weight, flexible and mechanically strong.

• They are not hazardous.

• It reduces the cross talk possibility.

• Optical fiber has wider bandwidth.

4. ATTENUATION IN OPTICAL FIBER
Attenuation in fiber optics, also known as transmission loss. Attenuation is the losses occurring in the optical
fiber .

Attenuation

Extrinsic
Intrinsic

Macrobending
Absorption Scattering Microbending

5. CONCLUSION

This concludes our study of optical fiber communications have looked at how they work and and what are the
benefits of its . We have examined the properties of fibers, and how fibers are propogates. Although this
presentation does not cover all the aspects of optical fiber work it will have equipped you knowledge and skills
essential to the fiber optic industry.