Fiber optics

Abbreviated “FO”

Fiber optics refers in general to the use of flexible glass or plastic fibers in controlling the propagation of light for illumination or data communications purposes.  A light beam is produced at a source, such as a laser or LED, and propagates through the channel provided by the fiber optic cable to a receiver.  Along the length of the fiber channel, different fiber optic components and cables will be connected together; for instance, the light source must be coupled into the first fiber to transmit any signal.  At these interfaces between components, fiber optic connectors are often used.

See also: fiber optic connector, fiber optic cable, fiber optic assemblies, fiber