Top Ten Applications of Fiber Optics The principle of light guiding through refraction was first established in 1840. Back then, its demonstrators, Daniel Colladon and Jacques Babinet, were least predictive about the wide acceptance of this technology. It took another fourteen years for John Tyndall to demonstrate that light could be transmitted through a curved stream of water, establishing that a light signal could be bent -- a phenomenon, which later gained more prominence as fiber optics. As of today, fiber optics, which conducts light signals through total internal reflection, is commonplace in the telecommunications industry. It facilitates long-distance data transmission, higher data rates, reduced utilization of repeaters, and absolute aversion of crosstalk between cables. In comparison to electrical connections, wiretapping is a rare occurrence if Fiber Optic Cables are used. Since security and privacy is a major concern in the telecommunications industry, concentric dual core fibers are made tap-proof. 1. Optical Fiber Communication Owing to its non-electrical characteristics and zero susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, fiber cables are able to overpass high electrical potential differences, and can be exploited in fume-intensive environments, whilst forestalling the risk of explosions. Optical fibers, as fast as one Terabyte per second, are available as multi-mode fibers, generally suitable, where distances are short and space is a constraint. On the other hand, single-mode fibers are used for distances spanning more than 200 meters. While telephone service providers use this medium of transport to connect consumers across geographical boundaries, broadcasters and cable operators utilize this vehicle to connect with subscribers. 2. Transmission of Data Multinational companies often use fiber optics as a backbone for their Local Area Networks to transfer voice, data, and video over long distances – from less than a meter to a hundred kilometers. This is important, as security and reliability are critical aspects for sensitive information. 3. Fiber Optic Sensors -- Remote Sensing Remote sensing is another important application of fiber optics. The dexterity of an optical fiber is most apparent in this area, as it is highly sensitive to multiple parameters such as strain, temperature, and pressure. As a result, it can be employed in sensors to measure vibration, rotation, velocity, torque, twisting, acceleration, and displacement. Time-delays, for example, are measured by an optical time-domain reflectometer and temperatures inside an aircraft are measured using a radiation pyrometer. 4. Measurement of Temperature inside Electrical Transformers Considering fiber optic cables are completely resistant to electromagnetic noise, it can be employed in sensors intended for measuring the temperature inside electrical transformers. Electronic measurement devices in high-voltage transmission equipment use this technology to supply low-level power in an otherwise noisy and unfavorable environment. 5. Design of Intelligent Transport Systems Intelligent transport systems such as smart highways use fiber optic telemetry systems to design intelligent traffic lights, toll booths, and message signals that dynamically adapt and notify the traffic about potential impediments and predictable crisis situations. 6. Biomedical Diagnosis Biomedical diagnosis frequently employ fiber optical technology, where illumination is a prevalent problem. Dentist drills and endoscopes use fiber optics to enlighten otherwise unreachable areas of the human body. 7. Industrial Endoscopes Fibroscopes and Boroscopes, commonly categorized under the umbrella term “industrial endoscopes”, use a similar principle to scrutinize inaccessible areas such as jet interiors. 8. Design of Decorative Illumination Applications It is interesting to note that fiber optics also carry aesthetic significance, finding extensive usage in decorative illumination applications for Swarovski crystals and Christmas trees. 9. Imaging Applications Miscellaneous imaging applications of fiber optics are employed by photocopiers and computer graphic aids. 10. Collection of Scintillation Light Physics experiments employ doped fibers to collect scintillation light. Technology intensive constructions might also use fiber optic technology to route sunlight from the roof to other parts of the building. Finally, adaptable and flexible, as it appears, the fiber optic technology is gaining widespread popularity in domains and applications, which were otherwise unimaginable due to prevalent technical constraints in legacy communication mediums. Hence, it would not be an overestimation to state that fiber optics might fully replace all communication vehicles in the future, in addition to largely benefiting medical, industrial, satellite, and wireless communication systems.