Chapter 1 - Optical Fibers for Broadband Lightwave Communication: Evolutionary Trends in Designs

Abstract

This chapter presents the evolutionary trends in the design of single-mode optical transmission fibers, in particular for light-wave communication. Multimode fibers in the form of plastic fibers, which hold promise for on-premise and other applications, are discussed. Development of optical fiber technology is considered a major driver behind the information technology revolution and the tremendous progress on global telecommunications that has been witnessed in the past. Fiber optics is the most suitable singular transmission medium for voice, video, and data signals. Indeed, optical fibers have now penetrated virtually all segments of telecommunication networks, whether transoceanic, transcontinental, intercity, metro, access, campus, or on-premise. The Internet revolution and deregulation of the telecommunication sector from government controls that took place almost globally in the past, have substantially contributed to this unprecedented growth within such a short time that was rarely seen in any other technology. The next revolution in light-wave communication took place when broadband optical fiber amplifiers in the form of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) were developed in 1987.