ABSTRACT
The transmission of signals over fiber optic media has now become a trend of major economic importance. This is due mainly to the many advantages offered over conventional transmission methods using metallic conductors. An ability to carry high bandwidth signals and to eliminate electromagnetic interference in high signal environments are perhaps the most significant. In underwater applications, the use of fiber optics for long-haul telemetry in transoceanic telephone transmission is well-known; however, fiber optics is also of great importance in sensing, as well as in vehicle control and communications. Much of the theory relating to fiber optic transmission was developed decades ago, and recent advancements have been primarily in cabling, networking, sensor development, and specialized connector and splice designs. With these advancements have come reductions in component costs, and resulting commercial opportunities.
