Photonic Crystal Fibers and Conventional Fibers: A Comparative study

Abstract

Resent studies on Photonic Crystal Fibers (PCF) has shown its potential as a high-bit-rate, large capacity and long distance transmission medium. From the practical point of view, several feasibility studies need to be undertaken on PCF as a future telecommunications medium. These studies should include investigating its transmission characteristics and reliability over wide wavelength regions and comparing it with the existed technology of conventional fibers regarding applications and specifications matters required to replace the existing fibers in the future. This research is a comparison study between conventional Single Mode Fibers (SMFs) and PCFs. Some characteristics like propagation of light, mechanical reliability, dispersion and optical bandwidth have been taken into consideration. The study found that PCF has significantly modified characteristics, compared to SMF.