Fiber-Optic Cable

Abstract

It is with the purpose of meeting the performance specifications of optics, machinery, and the environment that optical fiber cables are made. Communication cable assemblies with one or more optical fibers in the cladding sheath of optical cables are made used as the transmission medium and can be used individually or in groups. In the structure of optical cables, a certain amount of fibers is used to form the cable core in a certain way, some of which are covered with outer sheath. Generally speaking, optical fiber cables are communication lines used to transmit optical signals (Hogari et al. 2008). Although there is certain tensile strength of optical fibers, the strength is not strong enough to withstand the practical situations of bending, twisting, and side pressure. Thus, the traditional cable which contains technology should be used, such as fitting, overlaying plastic, metal tape armoring, and so on, just like the copper cables of communication. And then, in order to make a variety of optical cables which can be used in different environments, the strength component materials are placed in the cable core, so that it can meet the laying conditions required by the projects; achieve the mechanical performances of resistance to tension, impact, bending, distortion, and so on in practical situations; and ensure the original great transmission performance of the unchanged optical fibers (Shimizu 2008). Scientific Fundamentals Basic Structure Optical cable is mainly composed of optical fiber (glass which is as thin as hair), plastic protective sheath, and plastic outer layer. It can be divided into fiber core, reinforcing steel wire, filler, and sheath. In addition, there are waterproof layer, buffer layer, insulation metal wires, and other components according to the demand. To some extent, the performance of the optical fibers has an impact on the performance of optical cables. Fiber