Optical Fibre Communications: An Introduction

Abstract

Fibre Optics is a fast developing aspect of science and engineering. Even at this relatively early stage of development, system performance in terms of bandwidth, regenerator spacing and immunity from interference, is superior to a conventional coaxial system. Furthermore, in the future, present day systems are likely to look as basic as the transistor does in the face of today's integrated circuits. This paper outlines the basic components of optical sources, detectors and fibres and the parameters which are important when considering system design. The types, performance and characteristics of optical fibres are discussed in some depth. Having established the theoretical principles, the alternative methods of protecting and cabling the fibres, jointing, connectors, test equipment and system concepts are all briefly covered. The author does not intend to turn his readers into experts but to provide a descriptive basis for further investigation of this latest and significant innovation in the field of communications.