The transmitter drives a current on a light source and the light source launches the optical signal into the fiber. ... This is the light-carrying element typically made of silica or germania with an index of refraction of 1.48. The layer surrounding the central core is the optical cladding made of pure silica and has an index of refraction of 1.46. It is the boundary between these two layers that the light reflects off of, so the light never actually enters the cladding, it just reflects off the boundary. ... More advantages are that since it is light passing down the cable, and not electrici...

• Word Count: 1490
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

The fiber cables guide light around bends and they are able to carry light for very long distances with very little attenuation. ... The fiber cables introduce loss of light and smearing of the modulation imposed on the light signals to represent information. ... The most basic optical fiber consist of: a) An inner cylinder with high refractive index, called the core. b) Middle cylinder with a lower refractive index, called the cladding. c) An outer protective polymer layer (usually polyurethane or PVC) called the jacket. ... If you use silica glass for the core, it must be high purity in orde...

• Word Count: 3963
• Approx Pages: 16
• Grade Level: High School