Fiber Optic Center Glossary

ÅngströmLink® non-curing gels. Also known as thixotropic gels, or greases, these are 1-part materials that flow when pressure is applied, and remain in place when the force is removed (like toothpaste). These materials are generally used to displace the air gap between two optical elements and do not form a permanent bond between the two elements; generally need other mechanical fastening to insure structural integrity of the joint. Joints interconnected in this way are easily unmade and remade.

The IEEE has initiated work on the specification of 10 Gigabit Ethernet over optical fiber cabling. The standard is planned for completion in 2001 or early 2002, with specifications for multimode and singlemode fiber.