Evaluation of The Advantages and Disadvantages of Fiber Optic Transmission

Science continues to develop this world and aid humankind in improving our technology by using science. Optical fibers are no exception. They have been used for various applications, including medical use, which is the main focus of this report. This essay aims to understand the pros and cons of optical fibers and compare them to determine whether optical fibers are essential for humans or not. According to BBC Bitesize, optical fibers are thin rods of high-quality glass. Very little light is absorbed by the glass, but the light that passes through the optical fiber undergoes total internal reflection, which is a complete reflection of a light ray that is greater than the critical angle boundary (BBC Bitesize, n.d.).

Assessment of the Pros and Cons of Fiber Optic Transmission

According to Cyberphysics, optical fibers are used to transmit signals in the form of light pulses over distances exceeding 50 km. It is because of total internal reflection that they can guide light over long distances. Research from Cyberphysics also states that optical fibers can guide light for extended distances because the walls of the fiber do not absorb any light as long as the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle (Cyberphysics, n.d.). Science has enabled optical fibers to be nearly 100% efficient because of total internal reflection, which causes complete reflection. For total internal reflection to occur, two conditions need to be met. First, the refractive index of the first medium must be greater than the refractive index of the second medium. Second, the angle of incidence must be greater than the critical angle (Cyberphysics, n.d.).

Applications of Optical Fibers

Optical fibers are responsible for the world's cable TV and high-speed internet. They are more efficient than copper cables for telephone lines because they can carry more signals than copper cable telephone lines (BBC Bitesize, n.d.). Carrying signals to and from places is a primary application of optical fibers. However, optical fibers are not only used for TV cable and high-speed internet. According to BBC GCSE Bitesize Science, optical fibers are used in endoscopes. Endoscopes are utilized to examine the inside of the body, using a bundle of optical fibers to transmit the image around corners (BBC Bitesize, n.d.). This technology allows doctors to diagnose diseases such as cancer or to see clearly during surgery.

Advantages of Optical Fibers

According to FS.COM, one advantage of optical fibers is their resistance to electromagnetic interference. This means that even though the environment might have power issues, heating, ventilating, or other industrial interference, optical fibers have a very low bit error rate and are able to resist electromagnetic interference (FS.COM, n.d.). Another convenient advantage is that optical fibers come in a small size (2mm), which saves space for fiber optic transmission (FS.COM, n.d.). Furthermore, optical fibers are well-protected because the data transmitted is through light, making it difficult to detect (FS.COM, n.d.). These features make optical fibers a valuable tool for providing cable TV, high-speed internet, and aiding in medicine and surgery.

Disadvantages of Optical Fibers

However, optical fibers do have a few disadvantages worth considering. According to FS.COM, one disadvantage is that optical fibers are very fragile due to being made of glass, which is easy to break. Additionally, glass is affected by several chemicals, including hydrogen gas, posing a problem for underwater wiring. Therefore, extra care is necessary when deploying them underground (FS.COM, n.d.). The fragility of optical fibers also makes them difficult to install, as they are not easy to splice and can break if bent too much (FS.COM, n.d.).

Cost Considerations

Cost is another factor to consider. Despite the dropping installation costs, installing optical fibers is still more expensive than copper cables. In 2017, in Arapahoe, Colorado, USA, the installation of optical fibers reached a capital cost of $10,560 per unit (ITS Cost Database, 2017). Although a significant portion of the world enjoys cable TV and high-speed internet, this development is not yet widespread in rural areas. Nevertheless, optical fibers hold the potential to improve medical care in various regions.

Conclusion

Science has made significant changes in the world, and with the development of optical fibers, there may be a better future for humans in caring for the sick. Optical fibers have greatly benefited humans in medical applications, making surgery safer and more efficient, and aiding doctors in making better diagnoses.

References

• BBC Bitesize. (n.d.). The critical angle and optical fibers. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
• Cyberphysics. (n.d.). Optical fibers. Retrieved from http://www.cyberphysics.co.uk
• FS.COM. (n.d.). The advantages and disadvantages of fiber optic transmission. Retrieved from https://www.fs.com
• ITS Cost Database. (2017). Fiber optic cable installation unit cost entries. Retrieved from https://www.itscostdatabase.net