Well, "explain", hrmm... but it has something to do with vibration at least. But as I'm writing it seems odd to me that the optical and vibrational energy scales should overlap...RPI_Quantum said:Can someone please explain to me why the hydroxyl concentration affects optical signal attenuation so dramatically?
Optical fibers are thin, flexible strands of glass or plastic that are used to transmit light signals. They work by using the principle of total internal reflection, where light is constantly bounced off the walls of the fiber to travel long distances without losing its intensity.
Optical fibers have several advantages over copper wires, including higher bandwidth, faster data transmission, and immunity to electromagnetic interference. They are also thinner, lighter, and more durable, making them easier to install and maintain.
Single-mode fibers have a smaller core diameter, allowing for only one mode of light to travel through the fiber. This results in less signal loss and higher bandwidth, making them ideal for long-distance communication. Multi-mode fibers have a larger core diameter and allow for multiple modes of light to travel through, making them better suited for shorter distances.
One limitation of optical fibers is their vulnerability to physical damage, such as bending or stretching, which can cause signal loss. They also require specialized equipment and expertise for installation and maintenance, making them more expensive than traditional copper wires.
Optical fibers are commonly used in telecommunication systems, such as internet and telephone networks, to transmit large amounts of data quickly and efficiently. They are also used in medical imaging, industrial sensing, and for lighting and decoration in the form of fiber optic cables.