When we think of the word optics, the first type of optics that comes to mind is fiber optics, otherwise known as optical fiber. This technology as many of us will know is used today used as an alternative to standard copper wires and offers greater bandwidths used when transferring information. Fiber optic wire consists of glass and is just a fraction wider than a human hair. The reason why the transfer of information is so good is because glass is less likely to experience electromagnetic interference while sending information. There a different types of fiber optical wires including multi-mode fibers and single-mode fibers. One of the biggest differences of fiber optic cable aside from the transfer of information is the skills needed to fuse the cable together. This cannot be done by those without prior training and a particular set of skills.

So what other types of optics exist?

Photography optics is an important part of our modern-day cameras. With the improvement in technology it allows us to focus on certain aspects of a picture making them clearer and blurring out the rest of the background. It has also revolutionized the quality of the pictures that are taken today with modern lenses. Optics have played an important part in the development of both photo and camera lenses that are used in all of our modern day pictures.

Natural optics in our atmosphere creates the scattering of light and produces beautiful photographic sunsets. It is this blend of images that gives a beautiful optical image and it also plays a part in rainbows.

One of the most famous and ground breaking optical pieces of equipment is the microscope. With optical lenses it has led to many scientific breakthroughs and has helped man look at the human body in many different ways. The early microscopes used a basic optical lens but it was powerful enough for scientists to analyze cells.

Lasers also use optic components to help channel the high-powered beams into specific areas. Without optic technology you would not be able to control a laser beam to define degrees we are used to seeing. It helps to harness the light and gives scientists and users the ability to control power of the laser beam.

Optics also used to control radio and frequency waves of many different types. It is the optic lenses and films that are used to control and also combine the waves together that we use in equipment such as microwaves and also radio waves.

Today optics are used in computers, cameras, and for sending information. It is the optics in wires that is most ingenious and used widely today. It is not just for use with the Internet but simply sending electricity signals and also sound waves for connecting speakers to amplifiers is also a common use for optics. Due to technology advances they have become cheaper and more affordable, and as they are more efficient than using normal wire they will soon be used in all electronic devices.