Fiber Optics

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Based on the principle of total internal reflection and transparency of glass, fibre optics is an exciting new field of technology which uses the property of fine glass fibres to transmit light. Doctors use fibrescopes to see inside the human body and carry out surgical procedures, engineers use them to examine the hidden parts of machines and communication experts use the optical fibre cables to carry telephone calls. This lucidly written book for both the layman and the expert discusses fabrication, production of fibres, as also their use in a variety of fields.

Essentially a student of physics, G.K. Bhide, working as a research scientist at the Bhabha Atomic research Centre, was involved with development of indigenous technical know-how for the growth of large single crystals of alkali halide group of compounds, of nuclear particle detectors, etc. He was Chief Executive at Bharat Electronics Ltd, Pune, for about a decade. In 1997, he was felicitated for his outstanding contribution in the field of vacuum science and technology, by the Indian Vacuum Society.

The popular perception about fibre optics is perhaps, quite hazy. Association with the word 'fibre' is generally in connection with man-made synthetic fibres, used in the textiles, while 'optics' is known as the science connected with light. Hence, the combination 'fibre optics' sounds rather confusing. It is no wonder that fibre optics do not generate much enquiry and visible interest, barring perhaps, in some decorative pieces such as the fountains of light seen in a few households, particularly in large towns and cities. Here too, the interest may seem to be rather casual, confined to merely wondering as to how this aesthetically attractive- looking piece may be operating. However, the subject of 'fibre optics' is quite exciting, the moment one starts delving a little deeper into the subject.

Although scientific principles involved in guiding light as if through a pipe, have been known for as long as a century-and-a-quarter, it was only in the last quarter of the twentieth century, that the vast potential of their appli- cations was truly exploited. Today, fibre optics have virtually conquered the world of telecommunications, so much so that any new expansion project the world over, concerning telecommunications invariably favours the fibre optical cable as the medium for signal transmission.