When were optical fibres first invented?
From the end of the 19th century, several studies have been conducted that led to the invention of fibre optics. For example, in the 1960s, engineers found a way to transmit phone calls at the speed of light (300 000km/sec).
Here is a timeline detailing the events of studies and investigation that eventually led to the invention of fibre optics:
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During 1970 was when optical fibres were invented. Corning Glass researchers Robert Maurer, Donald Keck and Peter Schultz began experimenting with fused silica, a material capable of extreme purity with a high melting point and a low refractive index. Through this, they invented fibre optic wire, capable of carrying 65,000 times more information than copper wire, through which information carried by a pattern of light waves could be decoded at a destination even a thousand miles away. With this, the trio had solved the problems presented by Dr. Kao.
Here is a timeline detailing the events of studies and investigation that eventually led to the invention of fibre optics:
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- In 1854, John Tyndall proved that light could be bent by conducting it through a curved stream of water.
- In 1880, Alexander Graham Bell invented his 'Photophone', which transmitted a voice signal on a beam of light.
- In 1880, William Wheeler invented a system of light pipes lined with a highly reflective coating that illuminated houses.
- In 1895, French engineer Henry Saint-Rene designed a system of bent glass rods for guiding light images in an attempt at creating what we now know as television.
- In 1930, German medical student, Heinrich Lamm was the first person to assemble a bundle of optical fibers to carry an image. During his experiments, he claimed to have transmitted the image of a light bulb, albeit the image was of poor quality.
- In 1964, Dr. C.K. Kao identified that in a long range, 10 or 20 decibels of light was lost per kilometre. Kao suggested that a purer form of glass was needed to help reduce light loss.
During 1970 was when optical fibres were invented. Corning Glass researchers Robert Maurer, Donald Keck and Peter Schultz began experimenting with fused silica, a material capable of extreme purity with a high melting point and a low refractive index. Through this, they invented fibre optic wire, capable of carrying 65,000 times more information than copper wire, through which information carried by a pattern of light waves could be decoded at a destination even a thousand miles away. With this, the trio had solved the problems presented by Dr. Kao.