OPTIC FIBER - WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS

Fiber optic is interesting because it takes a very old concept that is the manipulation of light, it is nothing more than that, the controlled manipulation of light. If we go back to history, the Egyptians themselves controlled the light by means of mirrors to illuminate inside the incredible pyramids ... Precursors of the optical fiber?

Today the manipulation of light is controlled within a cable, with special terminations and special plates that make the transmission possible and that will be detailed throughout this informative post.

HOW OPTICAL FIBER IS COMPOSED

By looking in detail at how optical fiber is made up, we will understand its advantages and disadvantages, and we will also have a global vision of this medium.

This example is about a cable composed of many parts, we must understand that there are many types of cables that adapt to different occasions (interior, exterior, etc.) but we take this as a reference because you can see in detail what elements it can contain.

This will serve them because commonly in fiber optic cable catalogs, they specify that they are composed, therefore, knowing the components and how they work. Now a days many cable internet companies are available in market.

Fiber Optic Cable from inside to outside

Dielectric central element: this central element that is not available in all types of optical fiber, is a filament that does not conduct electricity (dielectric), which helps the consistency of the cable among other things.

Moisture drainage thread: its purpose is for moisture to come out through it, leaving the rest of the filaments free of moisture.

Fibers: the most important part of the cable, since it is the medium through which the information is transmitted. It can be silicon (glass) or highly processed plastic. Here the physical phenomena of reflection and refraction occur. The purity of this material is what makes the difference to know if it is good to transmit or not. A simple impurity can divert the beam of light, causing it to be lost or not reach its destination. As regards the manufacturing process, it is very interesting and there are many videos and material in the network, but basically the threads (microns in width) are obtained by exposing glass tubes to extreme heat and by means of the dripping that occurs when melting. They get each one of them.

Loose Buffers: it is a small tube that covers the fiber and sometimes contains a gel that serves the same purpose, also making a dark layer so that light rays do not spread out of the fiber.

Mylar tape: it is a thin polyester layer that was used many years ago to transmit programs to PC, but in this case it only fulfills the role of insulation.

Flame tape: is a cover that serves to protect the cable from heat.

Kevlar synthetic yarns: these yarns help a lot to the consistency and protection of the cable, taking into account that the Kevlar is a very good flame retardant, besides supporting the stretching of its threads.

Sewing thread: are threads that help the consistency of the cable.

Sheath: the upper layer of the cable that provides insulation and consistency to the assembly that has inside.