Applications of Total Internal Reflection
Applied Science: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma, topic 1.7.3
Optical Fibres in Communications
By converting audio, visual and data signals (information) into light, we can use optical fibres to transmit huge amounts of information with few information losses.
Low loss of information
- If the fibre lost lots of information, it would not be useful.
- For example, Whatsapp messages missing every second letter are not very useful.
Internet connections
- Internet providers use optical fibres to set up quick and reliable internet connections.
Endoscopes
When bundles of optical fibres are used together they can be used as a medical tool called an endoscope.
Imaging
- Bundles of fibres can be used to transmit an image without a lens.
- The output of this is called an endoscope.
- Endoscopes are used to explore the body by insertion through the mouth, nose or small cuts.
Medical use
- Light is transmitted down one fibre bundle to illuminate internal parts, and the reflected light is transmitted back out through another to be observed.
- Surgery can be performed by attaching cutting tools to an endoscope.
- Internal bleeding can also be stopped by using the light from the endoscope to cauterize a bleed.
Test yourself on Applications of Total Internal Reflection
Why do internet providers use optical fibres?
Why are optical fibres so useful?
Which of these statements are true about endoscopy?
How can surgery be performed with endoscopy?