Optical Concepts

A few general optical concepts and definitions should be covered before going into more specific details on fiber optics and optical fibers. Optics is a branch of physical science dealing with the propagation and behavior of light and its interaction with materials. In a general sense, light is that part of the electromagnetic spectrum that extends from X-rays (~0.1nm) to millimeter waves (~1mm). It includes the radiant energy of the visible spectrum (~400 to 750nm) that produces the sensation of vision.

In our discussion, we will focus on an expansion of the visible spectrum from the ultraviolet (200nm) to the infrared (20mm). This is the optical spectral range where most of the major applications have been for optical fibers, quartz capillaries and hollow waveguides (HSW). We will cover a few basics in optics before reviewing some more specific areas related to optical fibers.

If you find yourself in need of more information after perusing this handbook and do not want to become an optical engineer, you might try The Photonics Design & Applications Handbook.¹

1 The Photonics Design & Applications Handbook, 43rd Edition, 1997, Laurin Publishing Co., Inc., Pittsfield, MA

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