optical waveguide

(′äp·tə·kəl ′wāv′gīd)

(electromagnetism) A waveguide in which a light-transmitting material such as a glass or plastic fiber is used for transmitting information from point to point at wavelengths somewhere in the ultraviolet, visible-light, or infrared portions of the spectrum. Also known as fiber waveguide; optical-fiber cable.

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An optical signal transmission medium consisting of (a) a glass fiber or plastic fiber (or filament) surrounded by protective cladding, (b) strengthening material, and (c) an outer jacket. Signals may be transmitted, along the cable, as light pulses

opposed-blade damper

optical fiber cable

introduced into the fiber by a laser or light-emitting diode. Its advantages over the transmission of electrical signals along (metal) wire cable include low attenuation along the cable, freedom from electromagnetic interference and electrical grounding problems, small physical size, light weight, and large transmission bandwidth.

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