Fibre Optics — the Age of the Photon

Abstract

Telephone companies worldwide are rushing to equip their networks with fibre optics in place of conventional copper wiring. In 1984 orders stood at 40 million and British Telecommunications claim that during 1985 26,000 km of “light‐lines” will be used. Forward projections indicate that by 1990 all Britain's major cities will be connected in this way and copper wire will be obsolete by the end of the century. The US boasts 250,000 miles of network already laid but Japan leads in the field with a 15‐year plan to have optical fibres connecting every home. Research continues into a more efficient lower‐cost fibre as an alternative to silica, to produce faster pulsing lasers, and to examine applications in the area of sensors.

Citation

Calanda, A. (1985), "Fibre Optics — the Age of the Photon", Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 85 No. 1/2, pp. 3-5. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb057386