Everyday Fiber Optic Technology

The most exotic technologies eventually become ubiquitous, so common that one doesn’t even notice them anymore. Fiber optic technology has made that transition. Once the exclusive wonder of the laser labs and scientists, it can now be found in everything from fiber optic pool lights to children’s toys.

What Makes Fiber Optic Technology So Common?

To put it the most simply, flaws make the technology so common.

The primary use of fiber optic technology is the transmission of digital data. This data consists of intermittent on and off bursts, making it quite fragile. The amount of data a line can hold is controlled by the rapidity of the switching it can handle, which is in turn determined by its purity. This is why testing is so vital to the equation. Without it, there would be no way to sort out the best fibers for data usage. Therefore, before it is ever bundled into a fiber optic cable, each fiber has to pass stringent tests for data quality. This creates a certain amount of waste in the form of discarded fibers. While these fibers cannot pass the sensitive data cleanly, they still hold onto the property of transmitting light waves.

Why Waste A Good Thing?

The rejected fibers don’t have to be thrown out. They are still able to channel light to whatever location the user wants. This has given rise to everything from toys to modern efficient lighting, all based on the same principles of fiber optic technology.

Some of the earliest people to use the waste fiber optics were special effects model makers. The fibers made it easier to add realistic lighting to the models without adding the heat that could melt the fragile plastics. It wasn’t long before these very same properties came to the attention of designers. Soon, little penlight fiber optic toys could be seen anywhere there were dark events. Then they entered the home. Soon no coffee table was complete without the colorful little fiber optic bonsai tree. Over time, the designs have become more elegant, blending the fiber optic technology in a less obtrusive way. Now, designers have started using fiber optics to actually replace home lighting applications, allowing a much higher level of efficiency

These hidden design trends have brought the little light pipes home, made them a part of our everyday lives, and make those lives better for it. As the designers learn more about the fiber optic technology, the designs will grow in sophistication.