Fiber optics play a crucial role in many areas of our lives. Choosing the right material depends on what you need the fiber for. If you’re looking for something that allows for high transmission, glass is a great option, but keep in mind it can be a bit more fragile. On the other hand, plastic is tougher and better suited for those rough-and-tumble applications. In this article, we’ll dive into the differences between these two types of fiber optics.
What is Glass Optical Fiber?
Glass fibre optics consist of glass fibers that are durable and resistant to high temperatures. Glass fibre optics can operate in a wide temperature range, from a chilly -40℉(-40℃) to a sizzling +900℉(482.2℃). You’ll often find glass fiber optics being used in communications, sensors, and testing systems. Plus, some types of these cables can withstand tough conditions, including corrosive and humid environments.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Glass Optical Fiber
Advantages:
- Resistant to high and low temperatures
- Glass core has high optical transmission efficiency, fast transmission speed and long sensing distance.
- Thin and light glass fibers, suitable for use in narrow spaces
Disadvantages:
- The installation of glass fibre optics requires trained professionals.
- The tools and equipment used for fibre termination are usually expensive.
- The core diameter of glass optical fibers is very small and therefore requires a high level of skill in coupling light into the core area.
- Glass optical fibers are fragile and can easily break if not handled properly.
What Is Plastic Optical Fiber?
Plastic optical fibre (POF) entered the optical link field later than glass fiber. It is a type of optical fiber in which the core and cladding are made of plastic or polymer material, rather than glass. It is usually made of the resin PMMA (acrylic) as the core material, hence the name PMMA fiber. POF is usually a multi mode fibre with a large core (0.15-2 mm in diameter). Other things being equal, its main advantage over glass fibre is that it is more robust under bending and stretching.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic Optical Fiber
Advantages:
- Low material costs
- Inexpensive installation of related components
- Larger bending radius without breaking
- Plastic fibre can be installed by untrained personnel
- Plastic fibre transmits harmless green or red light, which does not pose a danger to curious children
Disadvantages:
- POF tends to have quite a bit of signal loss and dispersion, so it works best over short distances.
- POF can’t handle extreme temperatures like glass optical fiber can
Difference Between Glass Optical Fiber and Plastic Optical Fiber
| Item | Glass Optical Fiber | Plastic Optical Fiber |
| Core diameter | More narrow | Wider |
| Cost | More expensive | Less expensive |
| Signal strength | Poorer | Better |
| Extreme temperatures | Sustainable | Unsustainable |
| Flexibility | Less flexible | More flexible |
| Installation | More complex | Easier |
| Transmission distance | Longer | Shorter |
Conclusion
As transmission mediums, both glass and plastic optical fibers can be used for high-speed data transmission, and there is no difference between good and bad. They consist of different materials and are suitable for different applications. It is recommended that you consider environmental factors when selecting the correct optical fibre for your application.
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