Chapter 24 - Information-Related applications of lasers

Abstract

This chapter discusses the information-related applications of lasers. The laser technology has become essential in the treatment of information. They have a wide variety of applications related to the processing, storage, and transmission of information. These applications involve a diversity of areas, such as telecommunications, optical disks, optical computing, and display. The development of the diode-laser-based fiber optic lightwave communications systems has severely improved the communication technology, particularly on long distance telephone communications. The fiber optic links provide significant advantages such as: low cost per channel, large system capacity, freedom from crosstalk and electrical interference, and light weight for telecommunications. The optical fiber lightwave communication systems provide data rates up to gigabits per second, at distances up to tens of kilometers between the repeater stations. Fiber optic systems are used extensively in intercity long-haul telephone links. They have become the preferred medium for a wide variety of communication links. Most of the lasers made worldwide are for use in optical disks. Tens millions of diode lasers are produced annually for use in the compact disc players.