Introduction to Fiber Optics Systems Design

The subject of fiber optics systems did not exist just a few years ago. In the intervening period, what can now be called the field of Fiber Optics has grown from a speculation on the possible potential performance of fiber fashioned of the 'right' material to many millions of dollars worth of equipment being employed in the field, replacing metallic conductor equivalents or serving in activities transcending the capabilities of prior transmission media. Such a rapid growth can be explained in two ways: the new technology has proven more economical than conventional methods in some key applications, and in others its peculiar properties are so desirable that cost is not a significant consideration.