Fiber Optics & Lasers: Light Usage

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the use of light in fiber optic cables, specifically whether they utilize lasers, regular light, or both, and the implications of these choices in different applications.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether fiber optic cables use lasers or regular light, or if both can be used depending on the situation.
  • Another participant states that fiber optics can carry any light depending on the wavelength they are designed for, noting that telecom applications typically use lasers due to their high power, controlled wavelength, and quick switching capabilities.
  • A third participant expresses uncertainty about the use of lasers in fiber optics, indicating they thought lasers were used but could not find a source to confirm this.
  • A later reply confirms that both lasers and regular light can be used in fiber optics, providing an example of a fiber that transmits regular visible light.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the use of lasers versus regular light in fiber optics, with some asserting that lasers are commonly used in specific applications while others indicate that both types of light can be utilized.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the conditions under which lasers or regular light are preferred, nor does it clarify the specific limitations of fiber optics regarding wavelength compatibility.

DieCommie
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Do fiberoptic cables use lasers, or regular light? (or can they use either depending on the situation)
 
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Fibre optics will carry any light depending on the wavelength they are designed for.
Telecoms applications generally use lasers, they are high power, have a well controlled wavelength and you can switch them quickly.
 
Thank you.

I thought they used lasers, but couldn't find a source for that.
 
They can use either, as mgb_phys said.

Here is an example where regular visible light is transmitted by fibers:
http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/DisplayProduct.cfm?productid=1355
 
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