optical fibers
Glass data threads
Optical fibers are thin, flexible strands of glass or plastic that transmit light signals over long distances.
They form the backbone of modern telecommunications, carrying internet data and phone signals faster and with less degradation than copper wire.
Light bounces along the fiber's interior through total internal reflection: The transatlantic cable uses optical fibers.
Also called fiber optics when referring to the technology broadly.
Silicon dioxide compound
- claddingOuter protective layer
- coreCentral essential portion
- jacketSleeved upper-body covering
- waveguideStructure directing energy propagation
multimode · buffer · ferrule · strand · bundle · glass · polymer · coating
Wave bending between media
- attenuationGradual intensity reduction
- dispersionScattering across space
- wavelengthSpatial repetition interval
- photonElectromagnetic radiation unit
absorption · scattering · critical angle · coherence · polarization
Data transmission capacity
- broadbandFast internet access
- internetInterconnected computer systems
- networkingBuilding professional relationships
- latencyDelay in system response
throughput · transmission · multiplexing · long-haul · undersea cables · backbone · signal · carrier
Internal organ examination
- laparoscopyMinimally invasive abdominal examination
- illuminationProvision of light
- sensorsDevices that detect input
- gyroscopeSpinning disc measuring orientation
imaging · decorative lighting · signage · data centers · medical devices · aircraft · automotive · LIDAR
Thing that joins others
- spliceJoin end to end
- couplerDevice linking two things
- splitterSomething that separates
- transceiverDual-function communication device
amplifier · attenuator · isolator · circulator · patch cord · pigtail · ferrule · adapter
silica
Silicon dioxide compound
waveguide · multimode · buffer · ferrule · strand · bundle · glass · polymer · coating · sheath
refraction
Wave bending between media
- attenuationGradual intensity reduction
- dispersionScattering across space
- wavelengthSpatial repetition interval
photon · absorption · scattering · critical angle · coherence · polarization
bandwidth
Data transmission capacity
- broadbandFast internet access
- internetInterconnected computer systems
- networkingBuilding professional relationships
latency · throughput · transmission · multiplexing · long-haul · undersea cables · backbone · signal · carrier · transatlantic
endoscopy
Internal organ examination
- laparoscopyMinimally invasive abdominal examination
- illuminationProvision of light
- sensorsDevices that detect input
gyroscope · imaging · decorative lighting · signage · data centers · medical devices · aircraft · automotive · LIDAR · spectroscopy
connector
Thing that joins others
transceiver · amplifier · attenuator · isolator · circulator · patch cord · pigtail · ferrule · adapter · termination
- materialsmetal, metals, wood, ceramic, fabric
- opticslens, lenses, mirror, mirrors, prism
- glass sciencevitrification, non-crystalline, borosilicate, lead glass, lead crystal
- Biophotonicsbioluminescence, PDT, light scattering, spectroscopy, quantum dots
- optical communicationslaser communication, Li-Fi, data transmission, modulation, encoding
- spectroscopy suppliescuvettes, gratings, detectors, photodetectors, PMT
optical fiberscopper wire
Metal strand conducting electricity
coaxial cable · twisted pair · copper wiring · ethernet cable · electrical conductors
optical fiberswireless
Untethered signal transmission
radio waves · wireless transmission · satellite communication · Wi-Fi · over-the-air
fiber, fibrous, optical, optic, optics, optician, fiberglass, fibres, fibre