Saturday, April 14, 2007

Fiber Optics Light

How do Fiber Optics Light and Cable work?

The basic of Fiber Optics Light and Cable.


A fiber optic cable is a cylindrical pipe. It may be made out of glass or plastic or a combination of glass and plastic that are as thin as human hair. It is fabricated in such a way that this pipe can guide light from one end of it to the other and are used in all sorts of activities, most commonly telephone calls and cable TV transmissions.
This light travels through the core of the fiber optic bundle with a principle called “total internal reflection.” This brief article will discuss total internal reflection and hopefully shed some illumination on the concept of fiber optics light.

The Basics Of Total Internal Reflection

Total internal reflection is known as an “optical phenomenon.” It occurs when light is bent (or refracted) at a boundary enough to send it backwards, which ends up reflecting all of the light, hence the name. Optical fibers operate based entirely on this principle, as do mirages. A mirage is an optical phenomenon in which light refracts or bends to such a great degree that a displaced image is visible in the distance. A mirage is comparable to a mirror, as is the general effect of total internal reflection.

Principles of Fiber optics Light

In its simplest terms, fiber optics is a medium for carrying information from one point to another in the form of light. Fiber optics is not electrical in nature, but within a cable system fiber optics light energy signals transporting pieces of information from one end of the cable system to the other functionally.

A basic fiber optic system consists of a transmitting device, which generates the light signal; an optical fiber cable, which carries the light; and a receiver, which accepts the light signal transmitted. The fiber itself is passive and does not contain any active, generative properties.

Fiber optics light, therefore, began to develop from those principles. Inventors and scientists like William Wheeling and Alexander Graham Bell played with the notion of guided light and helped bring the principles of fiber optics light to the forefront where they are utilized in many forms of technology today to carry and contain pieces of information.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Say 'Hello' To Fiber Optic Cables And Goodbye To Copper Cables

by: James Croydon

In today’s world copper wired cables are being replaced by fiber optic cables. Fiber optic cables are spanning the long distances between phone systems and also provide backbone for many network systems. The three types of most commonly used fiber optic cables are single mode, multi mode and plastic fiber optic cables.

Fiber optic cables provide high speed-up into gigabytes and possess a larger bandwidth that is large carrying capacity. Fiber optic cables enable signals to be transmitted further without needing to be “refreshed” or strengthened. Fiber optic cables cost less to maintain and provide greater resistance to electromagnetic noise such as radios or other nearby cables.

In fiber optics light pulses are used to transmit information. The principle of 'total internal reflection' is applied in fiber optic cables. When angle of incidence exceeds the critical value light cannot get out of the glass. This simple principle is used in fiber optic cables to transmit information down fiber lines in the form of light pulses.

Fiber optic cables are usually much smaller and lighter as compared to other cables. Fiber optic cables are also easier to handle as well as easier to install. Fiber optic cables use lesser duct space but fiber optic cables can be installed without ducts also.

Fiber optic cables offer more benefits than traditional copper wire or coaxial cables. As the basic fiber is made up of glass, fiber optic cables do not corrode. They can be buried in all kinds of soil forms and can be exposed to all kind of atmospheres as well.

Since the only carrier in fiber optic cables is light, there is no possibility of spark from a broken cable wire. Thus fiber optic cables leave no room for fire hazards as well as no room for electric shocks to the person repairing broken fiber. Fiber optic cables can prove to ideal for secure communication system as they are difficult to tap.

Fiber optic cables are made up of transparent glass or plastic fibers which allow light to be guided from one end to the other with minimal loss. Single mode fiber optic cables give a higher transmission rate and used for long distances. On the other hand multimode fiber optic cables give high bandwidth at high speeds over medium distances. Moreover, in multimode fiber optic cables, light waves are dispersed into numerous paths or modes and travel at very high speeds.

First commercial fiber optical system was installed in 1977 and since then it has increased at a rapid rate all over the globe. Today most of the telephone companies prefer to use optical fiber throughout their system as the backbone architecture and as long distance connections between city phone systems.

Fiber optic cables are used in local area network which is collective group of computers or computer systems connected to each other allowing sharing of programs, software and databases.


About The Author

James Croydon, Fiber Network Engineer and Fiber Optic Light Source expert at f-Tech Associates ( http://www.fiber-optic-tester.com ) publishes other articles related to Fiber Optic Light Source at http://www.fiber-optic-patch.com and http://www.fiber-optic-cables-online.com.

Sunday, April 8, 2007

fiber optic pool

Fiber Optic Pool Lights for Safety and Efficiency

Fiber optic pool lighting came from the ability of the optics to remove the light source from a possibly hazardous environment. While there were watertight lights for pools long before fiber optics, they were bulky, and it was always difficult to change a burned-out bulb. Fiber optics made it possible to not only distance the electricity from the water, but also made changing the bulb a much simpler proposition.

The Future is Here with Fiber Optic Pool Lights

The liquid environment of the swimming pool or spa has always presented certain problems to the designer. Using electricity near water always does, but that is not the only concern. All lights generate heat and the brighter the light the higher the heat.

The nature of the electricity demands that a bulky fixture be used to separate the light source from the water so that a connection can never be made. This usually involves some sort of glass lens held by a metal frame, and then the light has to be of a rather high wattage to shine through the water. It is only natural that a great deal of heat builds up in the lens and frame. The problem here is that if too much heat builds up anyone using the pool is in danger of burning themselves on the fixture.

From a design standpoint, the difficult frames also make it difficult to add or change lighting for the pool lights. The most common method involves changing the bulb with one of the desired colors.

Fiber optic pool lights answer all these problems efficiently. The nature of the fiber optics allow for the source of the light to be not only centralized, but removed much farther than the sides of the pool. Fiber optic pool lights can operate off of one light, and that be distanced from the water so not only is less electricity used, but there is much less chance of it coming in contact with the water. By separating the source fiber optic pool lights automatically separate the heat as well, eliminating the chances for pool patrons to be burned. Designers like the fiber optics because by changing a simple light filter, the colors of the pool lights can be changed, often done by a color wheel attached to a simple electric motor. The color can often be changed at the push of a button.

These benefits are working to integrate fiber optic pool lights into the very basics of pool and spa design, so as the future develops the old style of lights will surely be relegated to the past.

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

fiber optics ceiling light

Fiber Optics Ceiling Light - Illumination Where Needed

Technology never ceases to amaze and neither does it seem to decrease nor act selfish. It is all for the good of humanity. Mankind is making that giant leap towards a more mechanical society. But the best thing that one can say is that we will not be a society left in darkness. There are many uses for fiber optics ceiling light, and with those come the great purchases and the usage. Fiber optics ceiling light will help keep the darkness away, and because the lights are so bright you will be able to go about your nightly chores without having to buy extra lights.

In the Kitchen with Fiber Optics Ceiling Light

There is so much activity that goes on in the kitchen on a daily basis and that is why it is always the place that needs the most light. It is more than just a social place; it is the essence of the home.

That is why it is a wise decision to install some of the fiber optics ceiling light in the kitchen. The strong illumination that is produced by the fiber optics ceiling light will help you most through those dark winter days, and you will be able to go about your work without any hassles.

Purchase Fiber Optics Ceiling Light for Your Study

It is crucial these days that we protect our eyes, and using the computer in bad light can increase the damage to our eyes, making our vision even poorer. With the fiber optics ceiling light you can give your eyes the protection that they need. No more poor light that will cause your eyes to strain.

It is also helps you get your reading done so that you do not have to constantly squint at the words and thus increase the damage to your eyes. Having the fiber optic ceiling light in your study will indeed make sure that you always have the right light at the switch of a button.

It is not even that hard to change from the conventional and commonly used light bulb. You can have your fiber optics ceiling light installed for you. Regret will be the last thing on your mind, so it is worth considering having the fiber optics ceiling light in your study, especially because it will not cost you thousands of dollars to live the life of light all year round. Care enough for you and your family to give them the best.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Laser and fiber optics

The Dangerous Future of Laser and Fiber Optics

We are living in a modern age in which technology is at the forefront of moving us forward as a civilization. It seems that with each passing day new pieces of information give way to new pieces of technology that unravel and give way to more and more advances that push us into an age that may, to some critics, become so dependent on technology that we might be beyond help. Laser and fiber optics, computerized technology, and everything between are at the focal point of this technological revolution.

For some it is something to fear, but for others it is something to be fascinated by. This particular author, mind you, stands somewhere fixed firmly in the middle. On one hand, I am completely enamoured with technology and fascinated by the possibilities. On the other hand, however, I find myself fixated firmly with the notion that above all else, humanity must be accountable for itself and cannot be left to the vices of computerized systems to help keep us in balance.

That said, laser and fiber optics are fast pushing the realm of technology into new and exciting places. Responsible for the information flow between devices such as fax machines and telephones, laser and fiber optics technology is a piece of the puzzle that helps keep humans connected and in touch with each other. It is, as well, part of the connecting “fiber” that draws most scientific advances together and will inevitably help integrate society with the blossoming tools awaiting us in the future.


Fight or Flight: The Nature of Technology and Humanity

Humanity and technology was a meeting that has been millions of years in the making and has been fostered since man first discovered that tools could be used to help bring things closer together. Even crude sticks and stones were used as technological advances, furthering the notion that technology builds on top of technology and creates inwardly to advance outwardly. In other words, without laser and fiber optics to serve as building blocks to furthering our scientific realm, we would certainly be further behind in the race.

Granted, this might all seem a bit too alarming for some readers. The fact of the matter is, however, that regardless of your point of view the technological machines of our time march into the evolutionary process and will evolve, forcibly, into the technological machines of tomorrow. Laser and fiber optics will be replaced by new ways to transmit light energy, and computers will be replaced by new ways to communicate with other machines. There is no telling where we could end up.

Fiber Optics Training

Learn A Trade With Fiber Optics Training

Learning about fiber optics can be rewarding for more reasons than one. For starters, the future of technology is dependent on fiber optics for properly transmitting essential information. Many pieces of computerized technology and other items such as telephones utilize fiber optics in their operation, so investing in fiber optics training can help give a systematic knowledge of systems of operation in order to help maintain fiber optics and help further develop the technology of the future.

Fiber optics training essentially assists the student in learning about the building blocks of transmitting energy in the form of light versus electric energy. A student will learn about the comparisons in energy forms and how they flow through the fiber optics cord, the different rates of flow, and the general physics of the operation of a fiber optics mechanism. With this information, the student is more than qualified to operate key pieces of technology.

Funding Fiber Optics Training

As with any educational venture, the cost and fees for taking the course is often a hefty area under discussion that may be discouraging to some prospective students. Fiber optics training, however, is seen by most governmental financial aid agencies as a valuable resource, and various benefits are often attached to those considering educating themselves. The American government, for example, considers trades like fiber optics training to be advantageous for success in the technological workplace of tomorrow.

For this reason, many speciality grants are often available to prospective students to enable the educational process to mesh better with the financial needs of today. Armed with the realization that America needs tradespersons the financial aid branch of government elected to create an easier path to that education that benefits all parties involved and helps create a more well-informed workforce.

Finding Fiber Optics Training

Due to the increasing popularity of this training, fiber optics training courses are now offered as companion courses to most technological degrees at most major technical schools or universities. Fiber optics goes hand in hand with other areas of technology and is now fully integrated into the classroom instruction, giving a well-rounded education to students to prepare them for the reality of technology in our world and for the possibility of technology in our approaching and evolving future.

Many courses offer full training packages with pre-existing course outlines, so consult your local technical school to discover what options exist for you today!

Friday, March 23, 2007

A Fiber Optics Transmitter

A transmitter is a device that converts an electrical analog or digital signal into a corresponding optical signal, so it stands to reason that a fiber optics transmitter is a device that transmits electrical (analog) signals into optical signals and back again. The most common known devices used as the fiber optics transmitter for this purpose are the light emitting diode (LED) or the laser diode (LD).The most popular wavelengths of operation for optical transmitters are 850, 1310, or 1550 nanometers.
Both, of course, are probably known more for their practical uses.

LED

LED or “light emitting diode” is a semiconductor device that emits narrow-spectrum light in a forward direction. A semiconductor is any material with an electrical conductivity level that is between that of an insulator or a conductor. The effect of LED comes out in the form of the light that is emitted, which is dependent on the form of chemical composition within the light itself. LED light can either be ultraviolet, near invisible, or infrared.

The effect of LED light is called “electroluminescence,” which is an optical phenomenon in which a material emits light in response to an electrical current or a strong electrical field. This is, of course, different from the light emitted from a heat source or another light source, including a chemical source, in that the origin of the light is from an electrical source.

LED lights are often used as information lights to denote system information on embedded systems such as airport scanning systems, destination displays for transportation outlets, light bars on emergency vehicles, and some model railroading applications.

LD

LD, sometimes erroneously thought of as the now-defunct laserdisc technology, stands for laser diode, and is the situation in which the active medium is a semiconductor, much the same as it is with LED. The most common type of laser diode is formed from what is known as a “p-n junction” or a combination of semiconductors of a certain type. The p-n junction is then powered by an electrical current and is often referred to as an “injected laser diode.”

Laser diodes, as a type of fiber optics transmitter, serve as the most common type of laser especially for industry. They are used most often in telecommunications as a fiber optics transmitter because of their ease of modification and their reliability as coupled light sources. Infrared laser diodes are also used in DVD and CD players as well as CD-ROM devices whereas the blue-violet laser will soon find wide commercial use (according to experts) in “Blu-Ray” technology involving the DVD and CD markets.

LDs have advantages over LED's in the following ways.

- They can be modulated at very high speeds.
- They produce greater optical power.
- They have higher coupling efficiency to the fiber optic cable.

LED's have advantages over LD's because they have

- higher reliability
- better linearity
- lower cost

Both the LED and LD generate an optical beam with such dimensions that it can be coupled into a fiber optic cable. However, the LD produces an output beam with much less spatial width than an LED. This gives it greater coupling efficiency. Each can be modulated with a digital electrical signal. For very high-speed data rates the link architect is generally driven to a Transmitter having a LD. When cost is a major issue the link architect is generally driven to a Transmitter having an LED.