Garth Naar - Uses of Fibre Optics, Sensors, Lighting and Telecommunications

Optical fibres 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 fibres, bundles of fibres and even more complex layouts with perpendicular angles.

Put simply optical fibres transmit light, normally they are cylindrical in shape and transmit with an efficiency of practically 100%, a result of the internal reflection within the fibres themselves.

 Garth Naar the only impedance to efficiency is cause by impurities in the manufacture of the fibres. Today they are used widely, below are some common applications.

Fibre optic sensors can be used to detect and monitor a range of different physical quantities; typically the sensing is carried out by the changes to the structure of the fibre in response to environmental conditions. A good example is direct strain fibre 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 fibre.

Optical fibres are also used in the telecommunications industry. This is increasingly the case, particularly in developed nations where companies and governments alike are working together to implement fibre optic internet connectivity in towns and cities. The major benefits of using fibre optics for telecommunications cables is that they are flexible, durable and offer far faster data transmission than existing technology.

Garth Naar says Optical fibres 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 fibres 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 hoped to point out how useful and practical optical fibres are in the world today. Across myriad industries and a plethora of different applications they are one of the most important technologies used in commerce and industry today