Fiber optic cable
GLENAIR
There are typically five elements that make up the construction of a fiber optic cable: the op- tic core, optic cladding, buffer, strength member and outer jacket. The optic core is the light-carrying element at the center of the optical fiber. It is commonly made from a combination of highly purified silica and germania. Surrounding the core is the optic cladding made of pure silica. The combination of these materials makes the principle of total internal reflection possible, as the difference in materials used in the core and the cladding creates an extremely reflective surface at the point in which they interface. Light pulses entering the fiber core reflect off the core/cladding interface and thus remain within the core as they move down the line.
Surrounding the cladding is a buffer material which acts as a shock absorber to protect the core and cladding from damage. A strength member, typically Aramid, surrounds the buffer adding critical tensile strength to the cable to prevent damage from pull forces during installation. The outer jacket protects against abrasion and environmental damage. The type of jacket used also defines the cable's duty and flammability rating.
Glenair's in-house fiber optic cable extrusion line provides the capability to extrude a variety of short-run specialty cables from simplex to hybrid constructions. Options include a selection of strength filaments such as Aramid yarn and extruded outer jacket materials.
