company news about A Guide to the Material used in Fiber Optic Cable

Fiber optic cables are made of several key materials, each serving a specific purpose to ensure efficient light transmission and durability.

1. Core (Light Transmission Path)

• Material: Ultra-pure glass (silica, SiO₂) or sometimes plastic (for POF – Plastic Optical Fiber).

• Function: Carries light signals (laser or LED) over long distances.

• Purity: Glass cores are doped with germanium (GeO₂) or fluorine to adjust refractive index.

2. Cladding (Light Reflection Layer)

• Material: Glass or plastic with a lower refractive index than the core.

• Function: Keeps light signals contained within the core via total internal reflection.

3. Coating (Protective Layer)

• Material: Acrylate (UV-cured resin) or polyimide (for harsh environments).

• Function: Protects the fragile glass fiber from moisture and physical damage.

4. Strength Members (Reinforcement)

• Material:

  • Aramid yarn (Kevlar®) – Provides flexibility and tensile strength.

  • Steel wire – Used in armored fiber cables for extra protection.

  • Fiberglass rods – Prevents bending and crushing.

• Function: Protects the fiber from stretching and breaking during installation.

5. Buffer Tubes (For Multi-Fiber Cables)

• Material: Plastic (PBT, PVC, or nylon).

• Function: Houses multiple fibers in loose-tube designs, protecting them from moisture and stress.

6. Outer Jacket (Environmental Protection)

• Material:

  • PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – General-purpose, flexible.

  • LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) – Used in buildings for fire safety.

  • PE (Polyethylene) – For outdoor/underground cables (resistant to water/UV).

  • Armored (Steel/Aluminum) – For rodent/mechanical protection.

• Function: Shields the cable from water, chemicals, abrasion, and physical damage.

Special Cases:

• Plastic Optical Fiber (POF):

  • Core: PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate) or Polystyrene.

  • Used in short-range applications (car networks, home audio).

• Fluoride/Chalcogenide Glass Fibers:

  • Used in infrared transmission (military, medical imaging).