Fiber Optics: How it Works, Uses, Installation, Salaries

Fiber Optics, including spelled optical fiber, the science of transmitting data, speech, and images by the passage of light through thin, transparent fibers. In telecommunications, fiber optic technology has practically replaced copper wires in telephone lines and is used to connect computers in local networks. Fiber optics are also the basis of fiberscopes, which apply to examine the internal parts of the body or to inspect the interior of manufactured goods.

The essential support of optical fiber is a skinny fiber, sometimes plastic, but usually glass. Typical fiberglass has a diameter of 125 microns (μm) or 0.125 mm (0.005 inches). This is actually the diameter of the sheath or the outer reflective layer. The core or internal transfer cylinder can have a diameter of only 10 μm. Mountain. A process known as total reflection allows irradiated light rays in the fiber to propagate long distances within the core with remarkably low attenuation or intensity reduction. The degree of attenuation over the range varies depending on the wavelength of the light and the composition of the fiber.

When glass fibers of core/sheath design were introduced in the early 1950s, the presence of contaminants limited their use to short lengths sufficient for endoscopy. In 1966, England-based electrical engineers Charles Kao and George Hockham proposed using fibers for telecommunications. And in less than two decades, quartz glass fibers were made with enough purity to transmit light signals. Infrared for 100 km (60 miles) or more without having to be reinforced by repeaters. In 2009, Kao honored for his work with the Nobel Prize in Physics.

How FiberOptics Works

The light guide through a fiber optic cable by being repeatedly reflect on the walls. Every tiny photon (light particle) bounces off the tube-like a bob over an ice rink. Now you can expect a light beam to escape from the edges through a transparent glass tube. Though, if the light hits the glass at a very shallow angle (less than 42 degrees), it is reflect again – as if the glass were really a mirror. This phenomenon is call total reflection. It is one of the things that keep the light in the tube.

The other element that keeps the light in the tube is the structure of the cable, which consists of two separate parts. The main part of the cable – is call the core and is the bit through which the light passes. Another layer of glass, call a coating, is wrap around the outside of the core. The surface has the task of keeping the light signals at the center. It is possible because it is make of a different type of glass than the core. (Technically, the coating has a lower refractive index.)

Also Read: What is the access method used by wireless LAN

Uses for fiber optics

Pulling the light through a pipe seems like a tasty scientific trick, and you couldn’t believe there would be many practical uses for something like this. But just as electricity can drive many types of machines, light rays can carry many types of information – and help us in many ways. We do not notice how fiber-optic cables have become every day because of the laser-powered signals. They transmit sparkle well below our feet, deep beneath the office buildings and city streets. The technologies that use it – computer networks, broadcasting, medical scanning and military equipment (to name just four) – are almost invisible.

Fiber Optics Installer

A fiber installer is responsible for installing, preparing, and troubleshooting fiber optic cables and systems. The person skilled in the art designs optical paths and passive optical networks. They have a good understanding of cable types, cable color codes and other cabling techniques. This specialist must deal with all problems related to the installation of optical fibers.

The person skilled in the art has a thorough knowledge of the most important specifications and parameters. It is the responsibility of the fiber optic installer to check the newly installed cables. The installer must troubleshoot fiber optic cable and other network systems. You are responsible for splicing optical fibers mechanically or using a fusion splicer.

The fiber optic installer completes and tests the fiber optic with a plug on the device. You have to design the entire fiber-optic system and take care of the construction of fibers and cables. It is the cable installer who is in charge of installing the end connectors. Experts need to know the factors that affect the fibers well.

They design the entire fiber optic system and maintain the construction of fibers and cables. You must have a good knowledge of optical fiber cable jobs and optical time domain reflectometers (OTDR). The installer must also be able to test the spliced ​​fibers with an OTDR. An installer set-up services for new customers and manage existing devices. You should be able to recognize and resolve problems with lines and networks. The fiber cable installer is responsible for installing the end caps. Fiber optic specialist examines the connectors with a wattmeter and a light source. Driver/Installer completes and tests the fiber optic cable with a plug at the outlet of the central unit.

Salary for the Fiber Optic Installer

Based on an estimate of the actual wage, the average salary for Fiber Optics Installer ranges from around $ 14.60 an hour for beginners to $ 19.60 an hour for field technicians. Agreeing to Glassdoor, the national average salary for fiber optic installers in the United States is $ 32,598.