Fiber Optic Communications Link Performance in EMP and Intense Light Transient Environments.

Abstract : Optical fiber communications links are a possible means for providing voice and data transmission electromagnetic pulse (EMP) hardened facilities. This report describes evaluations of the effects of high-level EMP fields and intense light flashes on fiber links. The results show that neither EMP fields nor light transient have any appreciable effect on the fiber links. Further evaluations, which were performed in EMP fields to compare the data transmission system using an optical fiber with an equivalent system using conventional cabling, showed te conventional system is susceptible to EMP. The optical link is thus superior in the EMP environment. (Author)