Objectives: From this lesson you should learn:
What is Optical Fiber?
How optical fiber transmits light
Types of fiber
Physical characteristics of various types of fibers
Fiber performance specifications
What Is Optical Fiber
In this lesson you will learn what optical fiber is, how it transmits light and all about the types of fiber available. Optical fiber is the communications medium that works by sending optical (light) signals down extremely pure hair-thin strands of glass or plastic fiber. The light is “guided” down the center of the fiber which is called the “core”. The core is surrounded by a optical material called the “cladding” that traps the light in the core using an optical technique called “total internal reflection.”
The fiber itself is coated by a “buffer” to protect the fiber from moisture and physical damage. The buffer is what one strips off the fiber for termination or splicing.
Student Assignment:
Either read the chapter in the textbook, the web page linked on the online reference or watch the videos and take the quiz (Test Your Comprehension)
Book Chapter: IMSA/FOA Reference Guide to Fiber Optics, Chapter 5
