What is "cross-talk" and how can I eliminate it?

"Cross-talk" is when light is scattered from one fiber optic strand to another within a jacketed fiber bundle (or light guide) consisting of several fiber optic strands. It is strongly associated with packing fraction losses. This occurs in both coherent and incoherent fiber bundles. It is typical eliminated by using an absorbing material between the fiber strands or special coating the fiber strands. This is particular noticeable in coherent fibers, where the end faces look almost like a "honeycomb" or grid pattern, because a black absorbing fiber (known as Mural Absorption Fibers, or EMA) is used between the imaging fibers.

"Cross-talk" can also occur when unwanted light from one unjacketed fiber optic strand scatters to another, when they are aligned side-by-side. This is common in communication applications when two fibers transmitting separate signals are in close proximity. Increasing the lateral distance between fiber optic strands and/or using jacketed fibers can eliminate this affect. Our jacketed Fibers Optics do not suffer from cross talk.