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OSI Optoelectronics - Custom Solutions LB 5/23

Photonics Dictionary

optical communications: Optical communications is a branch of photonics concerned with transmitting information using light as the carrier signal. In these systems, data is generated, modulated, transmitted, and detected through guided or unguided media such as optical fibers or free space. Light sources such as lasers or LEDs, along with optical amplifiers, modulators, and photodetectors, form the core components of these systems. Optical communication networks form the foundation of modern high-speed data transmission, including internet backbones, long-haul telecommunications, and data center interconnects.

Information such as voice, video, or digital data is encoded onto light waves, typically in the infrared or visible spectrum, and sent through optical fibers that guide light by total internal reflection. This approach enables extremely high bandwidth, low signal loss, and immunity to electromagnetic interference compared to traditional electrical transmission. Optical communication technologies continue to evolve, supporting increasing data demands through innovations such as wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM), coherent detection, and integrated photonic circuits.

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