The optical fiber industry has experienced a period of consolidation and reorganization and is now poised for a new surge in growth.

To take advantage of that growth, and to respond to the demand to use fiber more efficiently, designers need a better understanding of fiber optics. Taking the approach that optical fibers are an extension of RF-based communications, the author explains basic optical concepts, applications, and systems; the nature and performance characteristics of optical fibers; and optical sources, connectors and splices. Subsequent chapters explore current applications of fiber optic technology. Appropriate for use as a college text, this is an accessible and thorough treatment of fiber optics, without an intimidating amount of mathematical derivations.

Problem solutions and PowerPoint slides are available to instructors upon request.

Chapter 1: From RF to Optical Fibers
Introduction
Parameters
An Optical System
Optical Fiber History
Units and Constants

Chapter 2: Optical Fiber Characteristics
Introduction
Rays & Waves
Modes
Optical Fiber/Cable Manufacture

Chapter 3: Optical Fiber Performance
Introduction
Attenuation
Dispersion (Arrival Time Distortion)
Polarization
Non-Silica Fibers

Chapter 4: Optical Sources for Fibers
Introduction
Optical Semiconductors
Light-Emitting Diodes
Semiconductor Lasers
Optical Source Coherence
Erbium-Doped Optical Amplifiers (EDFA)

Chapter 5: Optical Detectors and Receivers
Introduction
Optical Detection
Photodiode Construction
Photodiode Performance
Preamplifiers

Chapter 6: Optical Components
Introduction
Connectors
Splices
Couplers and Splitters
Wavelength Division Multiplexers (WDM) and Filters
Circulators
Isolators
Attenuators
Switches
Modulators

Chapter 7: Optical Fiber Systems
Introduction
System Signals, Noise and Distortion
Link Budgets
Test and Measurement

Chapter 8: Future Directions - Telecommunications
Introduction
Basic Network Structures
The Telephone (Voice-Centric) Network
The Data (Data-Centric) Network Point-to-Point/Networking Technology
Optical Networking
Coherent Optical Systems

Appendix: Review Problems
Glossary

Bibliography

Malcolm Romeiser teaches at Embry Aeronautical University, Prescott, AZ, and consults within the industry. Prior to teaching, he managed R & D groups at Bell Laboratories on a wide variety of transmission technologies. Involved in optical fiber technology since its inception, he led an optical fiber systems research group at Bellcore in the late 1980s.