Plastic optical fibers branch out

Plastic optical fibers (POF) have been over-shadowed in the last decade by the success of glass optical fibers. As a result, POFs were relegated to low-bit-rate and short-distance applications. Recent technological advances and the emergence of a killer application in the automotive industry have propelled POF into the limelight as a lower-cost alternative to glass fiber or copper at medium distances and bit rates of 10 Gb/s. This article reviews the history of POF, the technical developments that have created a buzz about POF, and the applications propelling POF into the mainstream. In addition, the article shows how POF technology exhibits properties similar to "disruptive technologies".