Optical Fibers

Abstract

Optical fiber has been extensively used as a waveguide medium for telecommunication and computer networking because it is flexible and can be bundled as cables. It is especially advantageous for long-distance communications, because light propagates through the fiber with little attenuation compared to electrical cables. This allows long distances to be spanned with few repeaters. Additionally, the per-channel light signals propagating in the fiber have been modulated at rates as high as 100 or higher gigabits per second, although 10 or 40 Gbit/s is typical in deployed systems. Innovations in optical fiber technology are revolutionizing communication, and data processing systems. Newly developed fiber amplifiers, for instance, allow for direct transmission of high-speed signals over transcontinental distances without the need for electronic regeneration. Optical fiber technology including fiber materials, devices, and systems has become a rapidly evolving field. This chapter will give a brief review about basics, structures, materials, fabrication processes, and applications of optical fibers. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.