Optical fiber the generation next

Over a long period, electronic communications has been using radio and microwaves to carry information over copper wires and co-axial wires. The information carrying capacity of the wires is very restricted because of their limited bandwidths and does not suffice for the modern needs. Historically, the first effort to use a vehicle of communication was made in 1880 due to Alexander Graham Bell. By 1960, it had been established that light could be guided by a glass fibre but the fibres available then highly attenuated light waves propagating through them.
By the fabrication of low-loss glass fibres by Corning Class Works and invention of solid state lasers in 1970, it was possible for optical communication be practicable. Then the overwhelming advantages of optical fibres over traditional copper wires and co-axial cables were recognized and the commercial communication system based on optical fibres appeared by 1977.
An optical fibre is a transparent conduit as thin as human hair, made up of glass or clear as plastic designed to guide light along its length. An optical fibre works on the principle of total internal reflection. When light enters one end of fibre, it undergoes successive total internal reflection from side walls and travels down the length of fibre along a zigzag path. A small fraction of light may escape through side walls but major fraction emerges out from the other end of optical fibre.
Optical fibres are advantageous in this modern day context. They are cost effective compared to cable. They are made from silica which is one of the most abundant materials on the Earth. They are smaller in size, lighter in weight and flexible yet strong. They cannot be short circuited as they are made up of insulating materials. They are immune to externally caused background noise generated though electromagnetic interference(EMI) and radio frequency interference(RFI). The transmission is more secure and private. They have wider bandwidth. They have low loss per unit length.
Optical wires are used as communication channels. They are also used in medical diagnostics, sensors for detecting electrical, mechanical, thermal energies. Optical fibres have been recognized as a vital thing in modern context . They are being used in place of classical forms of modes of communication. So Optical fibres can be used today for increasing efficiency in the sector of communication. Using optical fibres can greatly boast the level of communicational activities that we are practicing today.