Fiber optics is a glass or plastic fiber that carries light along its path. Light is kept in the core of the optical fiber by total internal reflection. This causes the fiber to act as a waveguide. Fiber optics is used as light guides to conduct the flow of light from a light source to a point of use. These light guides illuminate areas that are too small or too hazardous to install a light bulb. There are two types of light guides: the plastic light guide and the glass light guide.

The general common term for a wide range of synthethic or semi synthetic organic amorphous solid materials, plastic is used in the manufacture of industrial products. Plastics are normally polymers of molecular mass, and may have other materials to better the performance and/or to reduce costs. There are different types of plastics for different uses: cellulose-based plastics, bakelite, polystyrene and PVC polystyrene, nylon, and rubber plastics. These are used for molding, plastic models, plumbing, gutters, house siding, enclosures for computers and other electronic gear, among others.

Plastic is utlized as plastic light guides in fiber optics technology. Fiber optic light guides consist of non-coherent bundles of optical fibers. To permit light to pass into and out fo the bundle, the fiber at each end of the bundle are tightly compacted, cut perpendicular to the axis of the ifbers, and polished. They have a bendable outer sheath and a light-conducting core. Multi-leg devices are split along the length of the light guide so that the ends of the fibers extend separately to illuminate different points from a single light source. Though flexible glass fiber optics is more flexible than plastic fiber optics, the latter is more fitted for the transmission of light in the visible and near-infrared scale. Furthermore, plastic light guides have little luminous loss over distance and are better suited for UV light transmission.

Selecting what light guides to use demands a meticulous study of physical and performance requirements. Physical specifications include length, diameter, and termination method. Remember that several light guides are terminated devices whereas others are terminated with a threaded or unthreaded ferrule, a tube-like mechanical fixture that restrains the stripped end of a fiber bundle. Instead, performance specifications refer to wavelength, acceptance angle, bend angle, and numerical aperture.

The maximum angle measured from the axis within which light is accepted or emitted by the light guide and transmitted along its length is the acceptance angle, and the smallest bend that fibers can withstand before fracture is the bend radius. Numerical aperture applies to the calculated, optical value that denoted a device’s ability to collect light over a series of input angles.

When you have d ecided which light guide you need, go to a trusted provider of fiber optics and related devices to ensure that your product, be it fiber optic cables or transceiver modules, pass industry standard qualifications.