Definition of Fiber Optics

Fiber optics is the branch of optical technology concerned with the transmission of radiant power (light energy) through fibers.

The difference between conventional electronic systems and fiber optic systems is how the data is sent. Fiber optics transmits (photons) light through glass fibers. Electronic systems send electrons through wire. Radio-frequency and microwave communication (including satellite links) rely on radio waves and microwaves traveling through open space or air.

In electronic systems the data is sent using analog technology. If a computer uses a 5 volt logic state, then five volts represents a logic high or “1” and zero volts represents a logic low or “0”. The combination of highs and lows (1’s and 0’s) is the data (binary code) sent. In an optical system light ON is a “1” and light OFF or dark is a “0”. This type of transmission is called pulse code modulation (PCM). The data (pulses of light) is sent through fiber optic glass from the transmitter to the receiver. Data can be transmitted digitally (the natural form for computer data) rather than analogically.