Optical Fiber and Prime Optical Devices for Optical Communication

In recent times, global businesses demands for faster, secure and high capacity communication systems for all their network operations. This demand is increasing at a faster pace. Fiber optic communication plays a major role in fulfilling these demands. Data transmission from one destination to another by transmitting infrared light pulses via optical fiber is known as fiber optic communication. Developments in fiber optic communication have brought about a drastic change in telecommunication industry. Fiber optic communication is an optimum choice meant for transmitting data in gigabits and more. It can be utilized to transmit video, audio, telemetry and data over long distances by means of local area networks or using network of computers [9]. Light-wave technology is used in fiber optic communication to transfer data over optical fiber by converting electrical signals into light signals. An optical fiber is a cylindrical waveguide made out of silica or plastic. They are extremely thin (only barely thicker than a single strand of human hair) and flexible. Optic Fiber cable which is a pack of optical fibers protected by a flexible and transparent sheath is most suited for higher data rate transmissions over longer distances without electromagnetic interference. Since it uses light pulses for communication, it offers boundless performance capabilities. In addition, this technology does not involve the usage of electromagnetic field. Hence, the data cannot be intercepted or jumbled with other signals. Usage of fiber optic cable for optical communication has paved way in establishing links over long distances with higher data rates, light weight, higher security and with low transmission loss. Safety, security and speed of the optical fibers come at a lower cost compared to the increasing cost of copper, which is used in other cable technology. The advantages of optical fiber communication have attracted its usage for wide range of applications like Ethernet systems, broadband distributions and even data networking. 5G, cloud computing, IoT, Augmented reality/Virtual reality, health care systems, Massive machine communications, smart cities have become some of the driving forces in development of optical technologies. Fiber optic transmission system consists of four different blocks-transmitter, fiber optic cable, optical repeater and receiver. These blocks are explained in detail in this chapter. The chapter also deals with the optical sources, materials used to make the fiber, benefits and drawbacks of Optical fiber. Further an insight into the recent advancements in fiber technology is also highlighted.