ABSTRACT
Since its beginning, the proliferation of optical fiber has been tremendous by any standard. The uses of optical fibers today are numerous, with new applications continuously emerging. Telecommunications applications of optical fiber and its associated components are widespread, ranging from extensive global networks, to local telephone exchanges, to data centers, and most recently, the long awaited extension of optical fiber all the way to the subscriber premises (i.e., homes and businesses). Nontelecommunications applications for optical fiber are equally as diverse. In medicine, bundles of plastic optical fibers are used to inject light into, and to transmit images from, deep inside the body, allowing doctors to see internal areas without the need for overly invasive exploratory surgical procedures. Specialty optical fibers connected to weapons can support real-time guidance and targeting information using telemetry data provided by the weapon itself. Other applications include uses in control and instrumentation functions aboard automobiles, aircraft, ships, satellites, and in other commercial transportation applications, to name a few. Sections 9.1 and 9.2 will primarily focus on the telecommunications-based uses of optical fiber, fiber optic cable, and the various associated fiber optic components needed to form a complete passive optical system.
