Considerations for Successful Optical Fiber Connectivity in Subsea Applications

摘要

Fiber optic connectors deliver massive bandwidth in a minute footprint, and thus are becoming increasingly popular for ROV and manned submersibles-for everything from vehicle control and HD cameras to tracking and fiber based sensors. However, there are numerous complex engineering considerations for such systems, given the rigorous demands of subsea applications. Thus, it's key to make informed decisions about how fiber optics should be integrated into a design from its inception to achieve the maximum advantage of the technology. This report explores the theory of fiber optics, both operation and concepts of use, strategies for design, pros and cons, especially as they affect the trade-offs between single mode and multimode fiber for specific applications. Further, it examines to the future of the technology and how it can shape the deep ocean industry, from low back reflectance connectors to bend-insensitive, high numerical aperture fiber options, which will allow even greater versatility and performance in robust connector shell designs.