Communications Technology 2104

Brandon Farewell & Liam Stamp

Fiber Optics

Fiber Optics.

• Fiber Optics is made up of optical fiber which is a flexible, transparent fiber made of glass or plastic.

• It is as small as a human hair.• It functions like a waveguide but is also called

a “light pipe” because it transfers light from one end to another.

Communications.

• Fiber Optics can be used for communications, such as a home phone.

• It can transmit signals at long distance and at a higher bandwidth.

Uses.

• The ability to transfer images through tubes made it possible to use for internal medication examinations.

• The ability to transfer communications through tube using pulses of light which acts as an electromagnetic carrier wave

• (Timeline)

<ahref="http://www.softschools.com/teacher_resources/timeline_maker/">Timeline Maker</a>

•

Why are fiber optics used?

• Fiber Optics replaced metal wires because signals travel along them with much less loss and are not affected by electromagnetic interference.

• Electromagnetic interference is a disturbance which affects an electrical circuit.

• A popular place to see this is when the TV picture gets blurry.

How does it work?

• Fiber Optical wires are the shape of a cylinder. • They transmit light using “Total Internal

Reflection”.• Total Internal Reflection: when a ray of light

strikes a “medium boundary” at angle which causes it to partially reflect and refract.

• The picture in the background is a great example of refraction.

Was it replaced?

• No, fiber optics were not replaced!• Fiber Optics is now at the top of the list in its

category.• It helps signals travel much faster.• It gives us a much greater bandwidth meaning

faster internet, better images

The End