Visible light used in fiber optic communication
Visible light is generally not used in standard fiber optic communication because it experiences higher attenuation in glass fibers; infrared light is preferred for long-distance transmission.
Why Infrared is Preferred
Fiber optic communication primarily uses infrared light at wavelengths of 850, 1300, and 1550 nanometers rather than visible light (400–750 nm) because infrared light suffers much lower attenuation in glass fibers . Attenuation in optical fibers arises from absorption (including water-related absorption bands) and scattering (Rayleigh scattering), both of which are strongly wavelength-dependent. Longer wavelengths in the near-infrared range minimize these losses, allowing signals to travel longer distances with less power loss .
Limitations of Visible Light
Visible light is unsuitable for standard fiber optic transmission because:
- High attenuation: Visible wavelengths are absorbed and scattered more strongly in glass fibers, limiting transmission distance .
- Material constraints: The refractive index and internal reflection properties of optical fibers are optimized for near-infrared wavelengths, not visible light .
- Safety and detection: Infrared light is invisible, reducing the risk of eye damage from high-power signals, whereas visible light could be hazardous if directly observed .
Exceptions and Special Cases
While standard telecommunications fibers use infrared, visible light can be used in short-distance or specialized applications:
- Plastic optical fibers (POF): Red light (~650 nm) is sometimes used for short-range links, such as home networks or automotive systems, where attenuation is acceptable .
- Visible Light Communication (VLC): This is a separate technology that uses LEDs or fluorescent lamps to transmit data over short distances in free space, not through traditional fiber optics. VLC can achieve speeds from 10 kbit/s to 500 Mbit/s over meters to a few kilometers .
Summary
In standard fiber optic communication, infrared light is chosen over visible light because it allows for longer distances, lower signal loss, and higher efficiency. Visible light is limited to short-range or specialized systems like plastic fibers or free-space VLC, where the higher attenuation and shorter range are acceptable .
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