Optical fibre are mainly used to transmit information over long distances and with high bit rates. Their benefits are numerous: the signal transmitted on the fiber is not disturbed by any electromagnetic wave created by power cables or electric machines. It also provides more security, as these cables can be fully dielectric. Besides, they provide a weight and space saving due to their small diameter, only 250 μm.
An optical fiber is made up of three main parts: the core, the cladding and the coating. In the center, the “core” is made of doped silica and is surrounded by the “cladding”, made of natural silica.
The light signal propagates along the core and the signal is reflected on the surface between the core and the cladding.
An acrylic “coating”, generally made of two layers, is protecting the sillica part against abrasion during installation.
November 11, 2011