Communications Technology 2104 Brandon Farewell & Liam Stamp

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) Timeline Maker

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