Compared to even a few decades back, communication has become a vital part of our lives. The world's social, economic and political system is dependent upon its ability to communicate and transmit both voice and data information. Networks of optical fiber span continents and circle the globe making this communication possible. Rapid advances in fiber optics technology have made traditional wiring obsolete and unsuited for transferring complex data like images. Fiber optical connectors have replaced them, as they are small and transparent. They are as thin as wires and are able to transfer data via beams of light. Fiber optic connectors comprise of a ferrule, connector body, cable and coupling device. The end of the fiber is mounted on the end of ferrule. It is bored through the center thus cladding the fiber. This often induces scratches on the fiber. Some types of fiber optic connectors are biconic D4, ESCON, FC, FDDI, LC, loopback, MTP, RJ, MU, SC, SMAand ST. Fiber optic connectors can be installed by various methods depending on the connector types. While connecting, one has to make sure that the ends have a smooth finish and is free from defects such as hackles and fractures. It is essential to remove the coating of the fiber and connect the connector by applying epoxy or by crimping. Subsequently, the fiber end has to be given a good optical finish by cleaving and polishing. Any impurities such as dirt change the geometrical propagation patterns of light and cause scattering. Fiber optics connectors are considered safe, as they are not affected by electromagnetic fields. They are low weight and have high electrical resistance. These connectors are cost effective and are usable even by untrained personnel. Fiber optics connectors have low data losses over long distances and have a high transmission capacity. It is no wonder that the era of telecommunications and networking has extensively adopted fiber optic connectors. The primary market for fiber optic connectors is the optical network application. Optical networks transmit voice and data across the country and around the world. The rapid expansion in the use of the Internet drives the optical market, including fiber-optic connectors. |
