This document discusses fiber optics technology. It begins by explaining that fiber optics transmits communications signals over thin strands of glass or plastic, and has been used commercially since 1980. The structure of fiber optics is described, including the core, cladding, and buffer. Fiber optics works using total internal reflection of infrared light within the core. Applications of fiber optics include telecommunications, broadband, computer networks, medical, and military uses. Advantages are its long lifespan and resistance to electromagnetic interference, while disadvantages include needing skilled maintenance and costly installation equipment.

1. Fiber Optics Technology
Dr. A. USHARANI
Asst. Professor / AAGASC
KARAIKAL
Puducherry (UT)

2. Overview
• Basics of Fiber optics
• Structure of Fiber Optics
• Advantages
• Disadvantages
• Applications
• Conclusion

3. What is Fiber Optics ?
• Transmitting
communications
signals over hair thin
strands of glass or
plastic
• Not a "new" technology
• Used commercially
since 1980

4. Why Fiber Optics?
Fiber is the least
expensive, most
reliable method
for high speed
and long distance
communications

5. Structure of Fiber Optics

6. Fiber Technology
A glass optical fiber is about twice the size of a human hair.
Core : Central tube of very thin size (5 um to 100 um) made up of optically
transparent dielectric medium. It carries the light from Transmitter to receiver
Cladding : Outer optical material surrounding the core having reflecting index
lower than core.
Buffer: Plastic coating protects the fiber made of silicon rubber

7. How Fiber Works?

8. Light Used In Fiber Optics
• Fiber optic systems transmit using
infrared light, invisible to the human
eye, because it goes further in the
optical fiber at those wavelengths.

9. Ray bends at boundary between materials
Snell’s law Reflection
Light confined to core if propagation angle is greater than the critical angle
Total internal reflection (TIR)
1
1
2
2 sin
sin 
 n
n 






 
1
1
2
1
2 sin
sin 
 n
n







 
1
2
1
1 sin
n
n
c


Total internal Reflection and
Critical Angle
qc
Water (n=1.3)
Air (n=1.0)
8/8/2022

10. Fiber Optic Advantages
• Life of Fiber is longer than copper wire.
• Handling and installation cost is very nominal.
• Unaffected with electromagnetic interference.
• No additional equipment required for
protecting against grounding and voltage
problems.
• Doesn’t radiate energy. Any antenna or
detector cannot detect it, hence provides
signal security.

11. Fiber Optic Disadvantages
• Skilled staff would be required for
maintenance.
• Precise and costly instrument would be
required.
• Costly if underutilized.
• Jointing of Fiber and Splicing is a time
consuming.

12. Fiber Optic Applications
• In Tele communication field
• In Space Applications
• Broadband applications
• Computer Applications
• Medical Applications.
• Military Applications, etc.

13. Conclusion
• Now we looked at how Fiber Optics work and
how they are made.
• We examined the properties of Fibers,
discussed the Advantages, Disadvantages
and Application areas of Fiber Optics.
• Although this presentation does not cover all
the aspects of Fiber optics, it will be useful to
equip your knowledge & skills essential to the
Fiber optics industry.