Optical fibers are one of the wonder materials of the modern industrial age, suitable for a massive range of different applications. Typically they are available in single fibers, bundles of fibers and even more complex layouts with perpendicular angles.
Put simply optical fibers transmit light, usually they are cylindrical in shape and transmit with an efficiency of practically 100%, a result of the internal reflection within the fibers themselves. The only impedance to efficiency is caused by impurities in the manufacture of the fibers. Today they are widely used, below are some common applications.
Fiber optic sensors can be used to detect and monitor a range of different physical quantities; typically the sensing is transported out by the changes to the structure of the fiber in response to environmental conditions. A good example is direct strain fiber optic sensors that will monitor physical strain in accordance with the way in which the light reflective properties are affected by changes in the shape of the fiber.
Optical fibers are also used in the telecommunications industry. This is increasing the case, particularly in developed nations where companies and governments alike are working together to implement fiber optic internet connectivity in towns and cities. The major benefits of using fiber optics for telecommunications cables is that they are flexible, durable and offer far faster data transmission than existing technology.
Optical fibers are also used extensively within the bio-medical industries and even in manufacturing for imaging purposes, offering insight into hard to reach areas. The ability to send in tiny imaging sensors that relay detailed images back to the user has been instrumental in keyhole surgery and also within manufacturing applications.
Optical fibers are also popular in design circles as a means of lighting interior and exterior spaces. The practicality of this flexible solution is not only easy to install but also offers a range of different lighting effects and styles.
The above information has jumped to point out how useful and practical optical fibers are in the world today. Across myriad industries and a plethora of different applications are one of the most important technologies used in commerce and industry today.