Question

What is an optical fiber? Write its advantages.

Answer 1

Hint: Optical fibers are mainly used to transmit light. It is transmitted through the two ends of the fiber. Some of the characteristics of optical fiber include flexibility and transparency.

Complete step by step solution:
Optical fibers are usually made of drawing glass or plastic. It has a diameter which is slightly thicker than the human hair. Optical fibers have wide range applications in optic communications.
The basic structure of an optical fiber includes a core and a cladding. The cladding is a transparent material which surrounds the core and has a lighter refractive index. This way light is allowed to be inside the core by the property of total internal reflection.

Basically there are two types of optical fibers, single mode and multi -mode.
Single mode optical fiber: They have a single mode of propagation path. Single mode fibers are usually used for long communications.
Multimode optical fibers: They have many propagation paths. They are used in cases where high power is needed to be transmitted. They have a wider core diameter and are usually used for short distances.

Advantages of optical fibers are numerous. Some of the following are-
The optical fibers have a very low power loss compared to other cables in long distance transmission.
It is not affected by electro-magnetic interference, which helps in reducing noise.
The optical fibers have a comparatively low size which makes it more convenient.
Optical fibers are lighter to carry. This makes it easy to port from one to another.
They can transmit greater bandwidth than other cables.
Since there is no electromagnetic energy emission it is really difficult to tap which makes it more secure.

Note: Since it transmits light rather than electrons there will be no electromagnetic radiation. One of the disadvantages of optical fibers is that it is expensive to install. Due to its compactness and small size it is highly susceptible to getting damaged easily.