The frequency of light in fiber optic communication
Modern fiber-optic communication systems generally include optical transmitters that convert electrical signals into optical signals, to carry the signal, optical amplifiers, and optical receivers to convert the signal back into an electrical signal. The electromagnetic spectrum ranges from extremely low frequencies up to 1025 Hertz. Lower frequencies have longer wavelengths, while higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths. For fiber optics with glass fibers, we use light in the infrared region which has wavelengths longer than visible light, typically around 850, 1300 and 1550 nm. This article delves into why 850, 1310, and 1550 nm are standard, what less-known regimes and tradeoffs. Higher Numerical Aperature (NA) mean higher coupling from source to fiber, and less losses across joints.
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