Uses of Optical Fibre: Definitions, Working Principle, Uses, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Uses of Optical Fibre Overview

Optical fibers are tiny strands of pure glass that are primarily used in the transfer of information in the form of light. Optical fibers were brought to the market about four decades ago and have since supplanted traditional metallic cables, transforming the whole world of communications.

What is Optical Fibre?

Optical fiber is a hair-like flexible, and transparent fibre that is utilized for the transmission of data signals across huge distances at a faster speed. As a result, optical fibre is utilized to deliver internet, telephone, and television services, among other things. Optical fiber operates on the total internal reflection concept. Optical fibres are produced from a variety of glass and plastic materials. Optical fibre was first offered to the market four decades ago. Fibre optic cables have revolutionized the whole field of telecommunications since their introduction to the market. These cables do not include any metallic wires. The optical fibre is made up of the following components-

1. The core is a thin glass tube located in the center of the fiber. This is the point at which light is transferred.
2. Cladding is a layer with a lower refractive index that surrounds the core. It is in charge of reflecting the signal back to the core during the single transmission.
3. Plaster coating is used as structural cladding on the outside surface of the fiber to preserve the inside component.

Uses of Optical Fibre in Daily Life

Listed below are a handful of the most common optical fiber uses and practical applications-

Uses of Optical Fibre in the Automotive Industry

It essentially uses optical fibres to illuminate the interiors of automobiles. This is due to the fact that optical fibres take up little space, emit bright light, can be deployed flexibly in the mechanical structure of the vehicle, are economical, use little power, have few chances of signal deterioration and leakage, have a significantly longer life span, and do not require frequent maintenance. In addition to interior illumination uses, the automobile sector may use optical fibres in vehicles' outside lamps and can also be employed in a communication system. In the event of an accident, for example, the network of optical fibres may be utilized to convey the signal created by the collision detector or sensor to the internal circuitry of the car, allowing the traction control and airbag systems to be activated promptly.

Uses of Optical Fibre in Broadcasting

These cables are used to send high-definition television broadcasts with increased bandwidth and speed. Optical fiber is cheaper compared to the same number of copper wires. Broadcasters employ optical fibres to connect HDTV, CATV, video-on-demand, and other applications.

Uses of Optical Fibres in Computer Networking

Computer networking is the connecting of two or more computer systems placed within a single building or across many properties. This device connectivity enables the user to exchange information, access common apps, and share resources more quickly and securely. The speed of data transfer and the system's ability to access files may be readily improved by replacing standard connecting lines with optical fibre cables. Moreover, optical fibres allow for the simultaneous transport of large amounts of information and data from one end of the network to the other.

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Uses of Optical Fibres for Defence Purposes

Fibre optics are employed in high-level data security domains such as military and aerospace applications for data transfer. They are found in aviation wiring, hydrophones for SONARs, and seismic applications.

Uses of Optical Fibres in Dentistry and Surgery

Non-invasive surgical treatments are yet another real-world application of optical fibres. Optical fibres provide strong light in surgical applications, which helps light up the target operation region and enhances eyesight for doctors and medical workers, minimizing the number and depth of incisions.

Uses of Optical Fibres in Inspection Devices

Inspection and maintenance engineers benefit greatly from optical fibers. Because optical fibre cables are flexible, they may be used to investigate difficult-to-reach areas. The design of inspection devices varies depending on the kind of implementation area. The benefits of employing optical fibre for inspection include more flexibility, improved eyesight, fewer risks of signal loss or damage, a faster pace of information transfer, and so on.

Uses of Optical Fibres on the Internet

The Internet is a renowned example of a real-world application that makes use of optical fibres. Optical fibres can carry a significant volume of data from one location to another in a short period of time. Because of their high data transmission speed, flexibility, low weight, and capacity to transport large amounts of data, optical fibers are appropriate for use in internet connections instead of traditional copper wires.

Uses of Optical Fibres in Lighting and Decorating

It is often used in decorations and Christmas trees. Optical fibers are frequently used in fairy lights and other ornamental products. The benefits of employing optical fibers for lighting and decorating include low signal leakage and electric shocks, lightweight, flexibility, low cost, an extended life span, and so on. Moreover, optical fiber-based lighting and ornamental objects are both safer and more cost-effective.

Uses of Optical Fibres in the Medical Industry

It is utilized in numerous pieces of equipment to observe interior body components by entering into empty places in the body because of its exceptionally thin and flexible nature. It is utilized in surgical lasers, endoscopy, microscopy, and biomedical research.

Uses of Optical Fibres in Space Applications

Satellite communication, remote sensing, high-power laser systems, multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, optical data transfer, lidar, atmospheric monitoring and analysis, and other space applications rely on optical fibers to function. This is due to the fact that using optical fibre reduces the danger of interference, allows for the utilization of maximum bandwidth, and makes the system cost-effective, versatile, simple, and lightweight.

Uses of Optical Fibres in Telephone

Local telephonic communication within a building, city, or nation, as well as worldwide telephonic connectivity among users in various countries, often rely on the basic operating concept of optical fibres. The optical fibre cables are bundled together and put underground or beneath the sea surface for the purpose of cellular connectivity. This increases signal safety and security because the data flowing is less susceptible to electromagnetic interference caused by other electromagnetic waves in the surroundings. Moreover, such communication methods tend to eliminate lead and lag issues, allowing the two participants to have a clear dialogue with little to no distortion. 

Uses of Optical Fibre: Advantages and Disadvantages

The following gives some details about the various advantages and disadvantages of the uses of optical fibres-

Points to Remember

1. It is utilized as lasers during operations, endoscopy, microscopy, and biomedical research.
2. Optical fibers play an important role in the telecommunications system by sending and receiving data.
3. Fiber optic cables release less heat than electric cables, lowering the risk of a fire in areas where they are used.
4. It is also used for data transfer in military high-level data security domains.
5. Since fiber optic cables carry light rather than electricity, they are not harmed by water, wind, ice, or high heat. As a result, unlike wire cables, they do not deteriorate over time.
6. As compared to copper lines, optical fibers are lighter, more flexible, and transport more data.
7. Fiber optic cables are non-hazardous to the environment.
8. They reduce energy usage and, therefore, have a lower carbon footprint on the environment.