Fiber optic transmission offers a variety of advantages over other methods of transmission like radio transmission or copper. Fiber optic cables that are smaller, lighter, and more flexible can transmit signals faster over a longer distance.
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But, there are many factors that can affect the performance and efficiency of the fiber optic. To ensure the smooth and reliable performance of the fiber optic, numerous factors must be considered.
Fiber optic losses are a minor issue and have been the top concern for engineers to think about when selecting and handling a fiber optic.
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1. Intrinsic Fiber Attenuation of the Core
Internal reasons for loss of fiber optics caused in the fiber optic that is often referred to as intrinsic attenuation. There are two major reasons for intrinsic attenuation. One is the absorption of light, while the other is scattering.
2. Light absorption
It is the main cause of loss in optical fiber when optical transmission. Light is absorbed by optical fibers by the material of the fiber optic. Therefore, the absorption of light in optical fibers is called material absorption.
In reality, light energy is absorbed and converted to other forms of energy such as heat because of molecular resonance and wavelength impurities. The structure of the atom is found in all pure material, and it absorbs specific frequencies of light.
It isn’t easy to make pure materials. Therefore, fiber optic companies prefer to dope germanium and other materials using pure silica to enhance the performance of the fiber optic core.
3. Scattering
It is a different major reason for optical fiber losses. It is the result of that light scattering caused by molecular-level irregularities within the glass structure. When scattering takes place, the energy of light is scattered across all directions.
Certain of them are moving in the direction of forward. The light that is not scattered in the direction of forwarding travel is lost through the fiber optic link, as illustrated in the next image.
To decrease the loss of fiber optics caused by scattering, the flaws in the fiber optic’s core must be removed, and the coating of the fiber optic and extrusion should be monitored.
4. Bend loss
It is one of the most common issues resulting from fiber-optic losses caused by poor handling of fiber optics. In essence, it’s due to fiber optic bent. There are two kinds of fiber optic bends. Micro bending is one, and the second is macro bend (shown in the picture above).
Macro bending is the large bend of the fiber (with greater than a 2-millimeter radius). To minimize loss of fiber optics, The following causes of bend loss must be identified:
- The fiber cores deviate from the axis
- Manufacturing defects;
- Mechanical constraints in the fiber-laying process
- Variations in the environment like changes in humidity, temperature, or pressure.
5. Loss of timing
It results in a signal loss if the frequency ranges between transmitter and the receiver do not match. Sometimes, this Phase-locked Loop (PLL) system used to ensure there is alignment between both ends can fail to align.
6. Cosmic radiation
It can cause the loss of a fiber when it is exposed to radiation for a long duration, and the fiber’s radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) increases. This happens because electrons become trapped within the glass because of radiation ionizing. The fiber optic cables could completely recover from this kind of loss.
7. Fiber Optic Slicing
It is a different cause for extrinsic fiber loss. It is necessary to connect one fiber optic with another in the fiber optic networks. The loss in fiber optics caused by splicing can’t be eliminated, but it could be minimized with the proper handling.
Utilizing fiber optic connectors with high-quality and fusion splicing may assist in reducing loss of fiber optics effectively.
How to reduce losses within Optical Fiber
To ensure that the output power stays within the receiver’s sensitive range and still allows for performance degradation with time, it is crucial to cut down on the loss of optical fiber. Here are some of the best methods to reduce fiber-link loss and installation.
- It is important to ensure that you adapt to high-end cables with the same properties as much as possible.
- Pick connectors that are certified as far as you can. Be sure that the loss in insertion must be less than 0.3dB and that the additional loss must be less than 0.2dB.
- Make sure you use the whole disc for assembling (single disc with more than 500m) to limit how many joints.
- When splicing, make sure to follow the process and environment guidelines.
- The connected joints must have excellent patching and a closed coupling to keep the light from leaking out.
- Be sure to check the hygiene on the connections.
- Select the most efficient method and route to lay fiber cables in the design phase of the construction.
- Choose and create a qualified construction team to ensure the high quality of the work.
- Enhance the protection of your property, including lightning protection, electro-protection, anti-corrosion, and mechanical damage prevention.
- Make use of high-quality heat-shrinkable tubes.
- Limit the tight bends that create light reflection through the fiber’s cladding. If you have the fiber to be twisted, make sure you keep the radius as long as you can.
- Clean connector ferrules as little as possible and frequently – particularly before and after testing. Also, always make sure you use the correct devices and equipment.
- Choose which one is more important, either your “power loss” budget or your budget for an inventory of cable. Cheap fiber may result in higher costs in the future.
- Do not unnecessarily strain the fiber, especially during the installation. If you can, pull the cable. If the cable requires pulling, make sure you do not get over the cable’s maximum tensile load.
