QUESTION:
Would fiber optics work better outside of the station if 
they were insulated?

        Students of JHildbold, Virginia

        
 
ANSWER from Sheldon Blackman,ASA Comms Tech
            Palmer Station, Antarctica
            Date: Sun, 16 Mar 1997 13:48:25 -0500

Dear Students,
 

I doubt seriously that insulation on fiber-optic cables 
would make any difference to the light traveling inside the fiber. 
The insulation could only keep the cable warm if there was a heat
source inside the cable.  But frankly, I don't think the light inside
the fiber cares what the temperature is. I installed a long
fiber-optic cable  outside at South Pole Station which reaches
temperatures of -120F, and the cable worked very well. Outdoor
fiber-optic cables all have a tough sheath around them to protect the
delicate fibers. 

Thanks for your question!

Sheldon