QUESTION:
What are the key differences between copper and glass optical fiber we need to be aware of?
ANSWER:
Copper is a malleable metal that can be drawn or stretched, is relatively strong, has a relatively low thermal expansion and acts as a heat sink to the polymer during the extrusion process.
Glass optical fiber on the other hand is an engineered crystalline structure consisting of many layers and materials. We have glass and optical index of refraction additives in the core and cladding surrounded by the various ultraviolet-cured acrylate polymers that make up the optical fiber coating. This engineered assembly does not like stretch and in fact any strain shortens the optical glass lifetime. Due to the crystalline nature of glass there is no sheer strength in the fiber.
READ THE FULL BLOG ARTICLE HERE: Are all cable lines alike?
ADDITIONAL CONTENT & RESOURCES:
- Category Resources:
- Find More Information in this Blog: Defining type and semi tight buffers as opposed to loose tubes in optical cables
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