• UGI USER
  • Nov 28, 2023
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FIBRE OPTIC CABLES: REVOLUTIONIZING COMMUNICATION

Why in the News?

  • Along with quantum optics, fibre optic communication stands on the cusp of a new era. Ultra-thin fibres can carry information, such as text, images, videos, telephone calls, and anything that can be encoded as digital information, across large distances almost at the speed of light
Source: Britannica

Origins and Evolution

  • Early Discoveries: Light propagation restrictions observed in the 19th century led to the conceptualization of guiding light through mediums like water and glass rods.
  • Initial Applications: Thin glass rods found applications in medical and defence sectors, enabling image transmission and internal organ inspections in the 1920s-30s.
  • Breakthroughs: In the 1950s, significant strides were made – transmission of images through fibre bundles and the development of glass-clad fibres.
  • Innovations: Hopkins & Kapany transmitted images via fibre bundles, while Curtiss introduced glass-clad fibres, crucial for long-distance data transmission.

Developmental Milestones

  • 1960s Advancements: Maiman’s creation of the first laser and Kao’s insights on light attenuation in glass fibres revolutionized optical communication.
  • Reducing Signal Loss: Kao’s proposal to produce high-purity glass fibres significantly decreased signal decay, achieving 1% detection after a kilometre.
  • Industrial Milestone: In 1971, Corning Glass Works achieved reduced signal loss to 20 decibels per kilometre in finished cables.

Fibre Optic Cable Mechanics

  • Manufacturing Process: Utilizing the fibre-drawing technique involving high-temperature melting, drawing, and coating for durability and strength.
  • Current Standards: Modern fibre optics possess a loss of less than 0.2 dB/km, achieved through meticulous manufacturing techniques and high-purity materials.

Implications 

  • Telecommunication Revolution: Fibre optics revolutionized communication, impacting telecommunication, medical science, laser technology, and sensing.
  • Government Initiatives: India’s National Mission on Quantum Technologies aims to harness fibre optic networks for secure communication and quantum science, allocating a substantial budget over five years.

Towards a Promising Future

  • Expanding Horizons: Fibre optic networks’ potential for growth continues to expand, penetrating deeper into various sectors and households.
  • Quantum Leap: Alongside quantum optics, fibre optic communication is poised at the edge of a transformative era.