What are the two main categories of loss in fiber optics?

The two main categories of loss in fiber optics are intrinsic losses and extrinsic losses.

Intrinsic losses refer to those losses that occur within the fiber itself, primarily due to the fundamental properties of the materials involved. These include scattering, absorption, and the material's inherent imperfections that affect the transmission of light through the fiber. Intrinsic losses are often described as being a function of the fiber's design, such as the refractive index profile and the chemical composition of the glass.

Extrinsic losses, on the other hand, occur due to factors external to the fiber. These can include connector losses, splice losses, and losses introduced by bends or knots in the fiber. Extrinsic losses are often associated with the installation and handling of fiber optic cables rather than the cables' material properties.

Understanding these categories is crucial for anyone involved in fiber optics, as it helps in diagnosing issues related to signal degradation and in designing better systems that mitigate such losses effectively.