Zhi Li, Hui Li, Yiwen Qin and Chris Kong

An optical fiber is a flexible, transparent fiber made of very pure glass (silica) not much wider than a human hair that acts as a waveguide, or “light pipe", to transmit light between the two ends of the fiber. The field of applied science and engineering concerned with the design and application of optical fibers is known as fiber optics.

 Gao Kun, the great Chinese American physician, dedicated his life to electrical engineering and first illustrated that optic fiber can be used for long-distance information transfer and then obtains 2009 Noble Prize for physics.  (Wikipedia redirected from Gao Kun)

 Lower cost  Faster transfer speed  Less signal interference  Thinner  More flexible

 Higher cost  Corrosion  Shock hazard  Bonding agent

 Cost Fiber optics are less expensive than copper wire. Both users and service providers (the companies that own the communication system). This is because many miles of optical cable are easier and less expensive to install than the same amount of copper wire or cable. Also optical fiber signals are created using low-power transmitters because the signal degrades less (instead of high-power electric transmitters used for copper wires), which saves amounts of money.

 Since fiber optics send light instead of electricity, fiber optics are non-flammable. This means there is not a fire hazard. Fiber optics also do not cause electric shocks, because they do not carry electricity therefore grounding and shielding agents are not necessary.

 Efficiency Being made from glass the fibers send signals at the speed of light. More information can also be carried over fiber optic systems. This can be especially important for computers, since a computer has to send so much information at one time. Also, more phone lines can be in one optical fiber. Many people use the same optical cable for phone conversations at the same time.

 Fiber optics are easier to install and transport than copper wires out of its light weight. Also fiber optics are thinner than copper wire cables, so they will fit in smaller, more crowded places. Finally because of its flexibility, fiber optics can go around corners and into tighter places than traditional cable.

 Initially being tested by the military, Fiber Optics gave the necessary bandwidth and security performance.  Today many research institutions and universities have adopted this technology to assist in their educational purposes.  Television and Internet providers are adopting this new technology to provide for the information hungry public.

 Because fiber Optics is lighting, its the introduction into the medical field allows for lighting during medical procedures.  The most minimalistic use of Fiber Optics is a small and simple light decoration that some may use on a Christmas tree for instance. In today’s age, Fiber Optics ranges from important roles including sending faster and more reliable information to smaller roles including aesthetic pleasure.

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