Key Applications of Optical Fibre in Daily Life and Industry
Optical Fibres are basically thin strands made up of pure glass. The fundamental use of optical fibre is in the area of transmission of information in light form. The application of optical fibre is genuinely proven to be more beneficial in comparison to the conventional use of metallic wires.
These cables consist of a thousand tiny optical fibres encapsulated in an insulated and protective enclosure. Optical fibre was introduced four decades back in the market. Since the time of their inception in the market, fibre optic cables have revolutionised the entire world of telecommunication.
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These cables do not use metallic wires. It has eliminated conventional modes of networking. A few of the highly popular optical fibre uses and practical applications are discussed below.
Uses of Optical Fibres
Medical Industry
Due to the highly flexible and thin nature of fibre optic cables, it is used in several types of instruments. Fibre optic wires are heavily used in the area of both medicines as well as research. It helps in getting an inside view of the body.
With the help of optical fibre, a doctor can view the internal parts of the body. This is done by inserting these fibres into the empty areas in the body. Optical fibre serves as a laser during performing a wide range of medical treatments that include surgeries, biomedical research, and microscopy.
Optical communication forms an essential element of any non-intrusive surgical method. It is mostly called endoscopy. In these types of applications, a bright and tiny light is used for lighting up the area of surgery in the body. It makes it possible to lessen the size and number of cuts or slits made on the skin.
For Communication
Fibre optic cables have the ability to send bulk amounts of information at blistering speeds. This technology is largely used in the formation of internet cables.
More and more communication industries are opting for optical fibres over traditional wires. This is for the reason that in contrast to copper wires, optic fibre wires are less heavy, carry more data and are more flexible.
One of the most important uses of optical fibre is that it is used as a “medium” for computer networking, and telecommunication. This is due to its flexibility and can easily be combined together as wires. Optical fibre is very beneficial for long-distance communications. This is because light spans through it at a significantly low attenuation when compared to an electrical wire.
Optical fibre makes networking between devices in the same building or across close by structures faster and more convenient. Rapid transmission of data is another important property of optical fibre because of which it is the top choice for communication industries. Users can notice a notable reduction in the amount of time taken for the transfer of information and files across networks.
In the area of communication systems, optical fibre has been widely used for the transmission and receiving of signals in various networking fields. The use of this communication method enhances the precision and speed of the transmitted data. In comparison to conventional copper-based wires, optical fibres are significantly lighter, sturdier, a lot more flexible and come with improved data-carrying abilities.
Another significant advantage of optical fibre is that calling within or outside the nation has become a lot easier with it. The use of fibre optic communication helps you connect quickly and enjoy clear conversations without any sort of interruptions or time lag.
The use of optical fibre cables has grown tremendously for sending and receiving signals over the last few years. Their greater speed and bandwidth makes them a perfect way to transmit signals for HDTV (high definition television set). Another important advantage of fibre optic wire is its cost-effectiveness in comparison to traditional copper wire.
Optical Fibres used in Defence Purpose
In Defence Purpose
Defence is another significant area where optical fibres are extensively used. These cables are suitable for the transmission of data in aerospace and military applications that require high data security. Optical fibres present a sturdy and robust communication medium that makes them useful in creating wirings in aeroplanes, hydrophones for Seismics and SONARs purposes.
In Industries
There are several industries that have benefited from the installation of optical fibres. One of the areas where optical fibres are used extensively is “imaging”. It is most appropriate for places that are tough to reach. These fibres are used for lighting purposes and safety measures in designing the interior and exterior of automobiles.
The optical fibre has an immense ability to send information at a high speed. This makes them useful in traction control and airbags. In most industries, flexibility, accuracy, and speed make it ideal for performing, testing, and research objectives in industries.
For Broadcasting
Broadcasting is another area where optical fibre is widely used. These cables have the ability to broadcast television signals that are characterised by high speed and greater bandwidth. Companies that are into broadcasting signals make use of optical fibre for purposes that include video-on-demand, wiring CATV, HDTV, and several other applications.
For Lightening and Decorations
Optical fibre is seen to be a lucrative, convenient, and cost-efficient means to lighten the space. It is mostly used to decorate areas and illuminate objects such as the Christmas trees.
The application of fibre optics has increased in the field of decoration and illumination. It has increased over the past years. These cables offer an easy, attractive and economical solution to various types of lighting projects.
In Mechanical Inspections
Another noteworthy advantage of Optical Fibre is in the area of mechanical inspection. Onsite review engineers widely use optical fibre to figure out the fault or damage that is usually difficult to locate by simply looking at the object.
The plumbing industry is also not untouched by optical fibres. A lot of present-day plumbers and engineers use them for the evaluation of sewer, drain, and pipes.
With the help of these cables, they can easily detect any crack, damage, leakage, etc in the plumbing system quickly and easily. It is an effective and economical way to detect damage signs as compared to costly specialised tools.
Types of Optical Fibres
There are numerous one-of-a-kind forms of fibre-optic networks however all of them begin with optic cables running from the network hub to the curb near your house or straight to your house to offer a fibre-optic net connection. The quickest kind of fibre community is known as Fibre to the Home (FTTH) or Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) due to the fact it’s a 100% fibre-optic reference to optical fibre cables set up to terminals directly connected to houses, apartment buildings and groups.
On the other hand, Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) is a partial fibre connection due to the fact the optical cables run to the curb near houses and businesses and copper cables deliver the signals from the curb the rest of the way. Similarly, Fibre to the Building (FTTB) is a fibre cable that goes to a point on a shared property and the opposite cabling gives the connection to offices or other spaces.
Optical fibre has multiple applications and it is used in various types. To read more such informative topics, visit our website.
FAQs on Uses of Optical Fibre Explained with Examples
1. What is the fundamental principle that allows optical fibres to transmit light over long distances?
The working of an optical fibre is based on the principle of Total Internal Reflection (TIR). This phenomenon occurs when a light ray, travelling from a denser medium to a rarer medium, strikes the boundary at an angle of incidence greater than the critical angle. As a result, the light is completely reflected back into the denser medium, allowing it to be guided along the length of the fibre with minimal loss.
2. What are the main components of an optical fibre and what role does each part play?
An optical fibre primarily consists of three main components arranged in concentric layers:
- Core: This is the central, light-carrying part of the fibre, typically made of high-purity glass or plastic. It has a higher refractive index.
- Cladding: This layer surrounds the core and is made of a material with a slightly lower refractive index. This difference is crucial for achieving Total Internal Reflection at the core-cladding boundary.
- Buffer Coating: This is the outermost plastic layer that protects the fibre from physical damage and moisture.
3. How are optical fibres used in the field of telecommunications?
In telecommunications, optical fibres are revolutionary. Their primary use is for transmitting data at very high speeds over vast distances. This includes providing high-speed internet (broadband), carrying long-distance telephone calls, and distributing cable television (CATV) signals. Their high bandwidth allows them to carry significantly more information than traditional copper cables.
4. Why are optical fibres considered superior to traditional copper wires for data transmission?
Optical fibres are preferred over copper wires for several key reasons:
- Higher Bandwidth: They can carry much more data, enabling faster internet and more channels.
- Less Signal Loss: The signal (light) weakens less over distance (lower attenuation) compared to electrical signals in copper.
- Immunity to Interference: They are immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which means the signal is cleaner and more reliable.
- Enhanced Security: It is extremely difficult to tap into an optical fibre cable without being detected.
- Size and Weight: They are much thinner and lighter than copper wires with the same information capacity.
5. What are some important applications of optical fibres in the medical industry?
In the medical field, optical fibres are vital for diagnostic and surgical procedures. Their most well-known application is in endoscopes, which are flexible instruments used to view internal organs like the stomach or colon without major surgery. They are also used to deliver high-power laser beams for precise surgical operations, such as in ophthalmology (eye surgery) and dermatology.
6. Can you give some examples of optical fibre use in everyday life, beyond internet and TV?
Certainly. Beyond telecommunications, optical fibres are used in various other applications that impact daily life:
- Lighting and Decoration: Used in decorative lamps and signs due to their ability to pipe light.
- Mechanical Inspections: Used as 'light guides' to inspect hard-to-reach places in engines and machinery.
- Sensors: Fibre optic sensors can be used to measure temperature, pressure, and strain in structures like bridges and aircraft wings.
- Automotive Industry: Used for lighting within vehicles and as sensors in safety systems.
7. How does the structure of an optical fibre ensure that Total Internal Reflection (TIR) occurs consistently?
The consistent achievement of TIR is a direct result of the fibre's engineered structure. The central core is made with a material of a specific refractive index (n₁), and it is surrounded by a cladding made of a material with a slightly lower refractive index (n₂). For TIR to happen, light must travel from a denser to a rarer medium (n₁ > n₂), which is satisfied here. The light is launched into the core at an angle that ensures it always strikes the core-cladding boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle, trapping it within the core through continuous reflections.
8. What are the main limitations or disadvantages of using optical fibre technology?
Despite their numerous advantages, optical fibres do have some limitations. Firstly, the initial installation cost can be higher than that of copper cables. Secondly, the fibres themselves are more fragile and can be damaged if bent or twisted too sharply. Finally, repairing a broken optical fibre requires specialised equipment and skilled technicians for a process called fibre splicing, making maintenance more complex and costly.
