Free Summit Wednesday: Learn from over 150 years of Optical Design Experience!
Search
Menu
AdTech Ceramics - Ceramic Packages 1-24 LB
Photonics Dictionary

plastic optical fiber

Plastic optical fiber (POF) is a type of optical fiber made from transparent plastic, typically polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate. Unlike traditional glass optical fibers, which are made from silica glass, POF utilizes plastics that have a lower refractive index.

plastic optical fiber suppliers →

The core of a plastic optical fiber is made of the transparent plastic material, surrounded by a cladding layer that also consists of plastic with a slightly lower refractive index. This configuration allows light to be transmitted through the core of the fiber via total internal reflection, similar to glass optical fibers. However, due to the lower refractive index of plastic compared to glass, plastic optical fibers typically have higher optical attenuation (signal loss) and lower bandwidth compared to glass fibers.

Plastic optical fibers are often used in applications where lower bandwidth and shorter transmission distances are acceptable, such as automotive networking, home networking (e.g., in-home entertainment systems), industrial data communication, and illumination systems. They are relatively easy to install and handle, as they are more flexible and less prone to breakage compared to glass fibers. Additionally, POF systems are often more cost-effective than glass optical fiber systems, making them suitable for certain consumer and industrial applications.
Products & Suppliers
Related Categories


Explore Our Content
News
Features
Latest Products
Webinars
White Papers
All Things Photonics Podcast
Videos
Our Summits & Conferences
Industry Events
Bookstore
Join Our Community
Subscribe
Advertise
Become a member
Sign in
Contribute a Feature
Suggest a Webinar
Submit a Press Release
Mobile Apps

About Us
Our Company
Our Publications
Contact Us
Career Opportunities
Teddi C. Laurin Scholarship

Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)



©2024 Photonics Media
100 West St.
Pittsfield, MA, 01201 USA
[email protected]
We use cookies to improve user experience and analyze our website traffic as stated in our Privacy Policy. By using this website, you agree to the use of cookies unless you have disabled them.