Fiber Optic Technician - Career outlook

 Optical fibers are said to have revolutionized communications like the telephone 100 years ago. If you want to be at the forefront of technology, this is the place for you. "Optics" comes from concentrated rays of light, lasers, which can be used to transmit sound, data and video simultaneously - a billion or more bits of information per second. "Fiber" is a transparent packaging, thin as a glass of hair. Fiber cables are smaller and lighter than conventional cables using copper cables or coaxial tubes, but they carry more information and the information flow occurs more smoothly.

The combination of laser and glass offers a fast, reliable and inexpensive means of telecommunications. Due to their advantages over metallic cables, optical fibers quickly replace cables in computers, copiers, medical equipment, navigation guidance systems and weapons.

Optical fibers are immune to interference from nearby lightning or electric motors, so there is no interference with television signals when someone runs through the kitchen or during a storm. The optical fiber does not "pass through the cable". There was no bloody voice speaking on the other line during the phone conversation. Listening to a conversation or interrupting is more difficult and easier to detect.

Fiber optic technicians help engineers design and test new uses for fiber optics. They organize electrical and electronic experiments, which can lead to the development of new applications. This technology is still new enough to make interesting experiments. We still don't know how far the optical fiber can move or in which direction.

Some technicians repair and install existing laser and fiber optic devices and systems. This system currently exists in telephone and computer networks. Using a spectrometer, they measure the frequency of the light emitted by the laser and adjust it if necessary.

The most active field is the design of fiber optic systems that connect buildings and people. For example, some school systems become fiber optic networks, so they have quick access to multimedia presentations from the information highway. Find out where the cable must be connected and the connection must be entrusted to the technician. The connection is made with a high-power laser that integrates the cable and requires a technician to be in place.

Experts predict that making this network will keep fiber optic technicians busy for years. New uses, such as operations or engineering, will open up new jobs in the next decade. Laser surgery has been practiced for a long time; now fiber is also used. The automotive and aviation industry are already investigating how they can better use optical fibers.

Outlook

At present, there is a shortage of fiber optic technicians and excellent job prospects for the next five years. At present, most jobs are electronics and telecommunications, but many manufacturing companies are switching to laser-powered systems, so the fiber optics jobs market will develop in the coming years. Opportunities for optical fiber technology in medicine, aviation, and other forms of transportation are only recommended.