ABSTRACT
Fiber-optic communication systems (FOCS) allow for voice, video, and data communications to occur at the speed of light and it is the laser that provides the efficient light source that drives this industry. The evolution of fiber-optic components, systems, and technology to address data rates in the gigabits requires the use of laser diodes in most applications due to speed requirements. The standard wavelengths used in fiber-optic communication systems are the 850 nanometer (nm) window, 1300 nm window, and the 1550 nm window. Engineering and administrative controls are specified for the hazard level and type of environments in which the fiber system may operate. The safety hazard posed by any laser depends on a combination of wavelength, intensity, beam divergence, and exposure time. The presence of infrared radiation will cause the phosphor to glow, indicating that the fiber is live.
