Fiber Optic Essentials starts with a basic discussion on lightwaves and the phenomenon of refraction and reflection. It then goes on to introduces the reader to the field of fiber optics and covers some of the recent developments, such as fiber amplifiers, dispersion compensation and nonlinear effects. A number of other applications are also presented. Examples and comparison with everyday experience are provided wherever possible to help the reader's comprehension. Diagrams are also included to aid in the visualization of certain concepts.

K. Thyagarajan, PHD, is Professor in the Department of Physics at the Indian Institute of Technology at New Delhi. He is a recipient of the 1997 Lucent Technologies Finolex-Voice & Data Fibre Optic Person of the Year Award.

Ajoy Ghatak, PHD, is currently Distinguished Research Fellow at Disha Academy of Research and Education in Raipur. Professor Ghatak is a recipient of the 2003 Esther Hoffman Beller Award (instituted by The Optical Society of America) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to optical science and engineering education. Both men are Fellows of the Optical Society of America and have co-authored five previous books.

Provides a clear overview of fiber optics without unnecessary mathematics or overly complex language

The field of fiber optics has seen some of the most important technical revolutions of the twentieth century. From the development of low-loss optical fibers to the explosion of the application of lasers in communication systems, understanding the dramatic evolution of optic fibers is relevant to professionals and students in a growing number of disciplines.

Fiber Optic Essentials provides a clear overview of the subject, covering the basics and its fascinating progression to where it stands today—crisscrossing the entire Earth under the seas, over land, and across mountains. The book also explores emerging topics, including:

• Nonlinear fiber optics

• Fiber Bragg gratings

• Fiber-based sensors

Filled with examples, diagrams, and everyday comparisons, this survival guide is an essential resource for engineering professionals, technical managers, and students who are interested in gaining a basic understanding of fiber optics.

Preface ix

Units and Abbreviations xi

1. Introduction 1

2. Light Waves 3

3. Carrier Wave Communication 17

4. Optical Fibers 28

5. Loss in Optical Fibers 55

6. Pulse Dispersion in Multimode Optical Fibers 70

7. Pulse Dispersion in Single-Mode Optical Fibers 86

8. Fiber Optic Communication Systems 100

9. Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers and Fiber Lasers 125

10. Raman Fiber Amplifiers 151

11. Fiber Bragg Gratings 168

12. Fiber Optic Components 186

13. Nonlinear Effects in Optical Fibers 205

14. Optical Fiber Sensors 221

References and Suggested Reading 236

Index 239