This chapter initially presents the basic physical parameters that describe wave and signal propagation. The different media that support propagation have different characteristics and information capacities. The one of most concern for optical fiber systems is the index of refraction. Refraction refers to the bending of a propagating wave at a boundary. The refractive index of a media also determines the speed of propagation of the wave in the media. Section 1-3 discusses the three basic elements of any optical fiber system in very broad terms. Subsequent chapters give much more detail about the three.

Chapter Contents:

• 1.1 Introduction
• 1.2 Parameters
• 1.2.1 Frequency/Wavelength/Bandwidth
• 1.2.2 Power
• 1.2.3 Velocity
• 1.3 An Optical System
• 1.4 Optical Fiber History
• 1.5 Units and Constants

Inspec keywords: optical signal detection; light propagation; refractive index; radiowave propagation

Other keywords: RF; wave propagation speed; refractive index; optical fiber system; signal propagation; electromagnetic wave propagation

Subjects: Light propagation; Radiowave propagation; Optical communication