Introduction to Optical

Communication
What Is Fiber Optics ?
Transmitting
communications signals
over hair thin strands of
glass or plastic.
 OR
Optical fibers are thin,
transparent strands almost
the size of a human hair
made from a dielectric
cylinder surrounded by
another transparent
dielectric cylinder .
Why Do We Use Fiber Optics?
Economics
Speed
Distance
Weight/size
Freedom from interference
Electrical isolation
Security
 How does it work ?
The light in a fiber-optic cable travels through the core by
constantly bouncing from the mirror-lined walls, ……………
total internal reflection.
The reflections inside the walls are possible because of high
refractive index material of the inner cylinder and the low
refractive index of the outer cylinder
Optical fiber…. Inside it.
Fiber Technology
Fiber Technology
Optical communication system
Transmitter.
Converts electrical signal into light signal.
Optical fiber.
Conducts the light signal over the distance.
Optical regenerator.
May be required to boost the light signal for longer
distances.
Optical receiver.
Converts light signals back to electrical signal.
Typical Optical communication system.

Electric Electric
Signal IN Signal
OUT

OPTICAL
LIGHT OPTICAL
TRANSMITTER RECEIVER
Signal

OPTICAL FIBER
General and Optical Communication
systems
Fiber Has More Capacity

This single fiber can

carry more
communications than
the giant copper cable!
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.
Wavelength-Division Multiplexing
Fiber Optic Cable

Protects the fibers wherever

they are installed
May have 1 to over 1000 fibers
Fiber Optic Connectors
Terminates the fibers
Connects to other fibers or transmission equipment
Advantages of using optical fiber
Less expensive.
Less volume (thinner than
copper wires).
Higher capacity.
Less signal degradation.
No interference between
two signals.
Low power.
Lightweight.
Flexible.
Jobs In Fiber Optics
Designing components
Manufacturing fiber, lasers, etc.
Designing systems
Installing networks
Training and teaching
THANK YOU