The method of transmitting information from one place to another in terms of light pulses through an optical fiber is called fiber optic communication. It is in the process of replacing wire transmission in communication systems. Light has very high frequency (400 THz – 790 THz) than microwave radio systems. The fibers are made up of silica glass or silicon dioxide which is highly abundant on Earth.
Now it has been replaced with materials such as chalcogenide glasses, fluoroaluminate crystalline materials because they provide larger infrared wavelength and better transmission capability. As fibers are not electrically conductive, it is preferred in places where multiple channels are to be laid and isolation is required from electrical and electromagnetic interference.
Applications:
Optical fiber system has a number of applications namely, international communication, inter-city communication, data links, plant and traffic control and defense applications.
Merits:
1. Fiber cables are very thin and weight lesser than copper cables.
2. This system has much larger bandwidth. This means that its information canying capacity is larger.
3. Fiber optic system is immune to electrical interferences.
4. Fiber optic cables are cheaper than copper cables.
Demerits:
1. Fiber optic cables are more fragile when compared to copper wires.
2. It is an expensive technology.
