Abstract:

Nowadays, attempts are being made to adapt education with new pedagogical methods, innovating some basic aspects of learning. In this sense, for students to understand the basic fundamentals of optical fiber, active and practical learning is proposed, based on the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) educational system. This approach renders the subject interesting for undergraduate students and teachers of Inorganic Chemistry and Materials Science, given its pedagogical nature utilising PBL. Progressing from a macroscopic to microscopic perspective, students delve into understanding the basic principles, composition, structure, etc., of optical fibers. Furthermore, this involves exploring the chemistry inherent in such devices and common characterisation techniques in Solid State Chemistry, such as Scanning Electron Microscopy.

Optical fiber plays a pivotal role in contemporary life, offering numerous advantages in various sectors by facilitating faster navigation, quicker downloads, and enhanced streaming experiences of multimedia content. Widely employed in communication networks, optical fiber finds application in both domestic and business environments.

On the other hand, Electron microscopy is a fundamental tool for exploring both the visible and invisible worlds. It employs electron beams instead of visible light to capture high-resolution images of very small objects, providing a detailed view of structures that cannot be observed with conventional optical microscopes. The resolution of optical microscopy is limited by the wavelength of visible light, which hinders the observation of details at the nanoscale.

The main purpose of this work is to help students to understand the work mechanism of a optical fiber on the basis of its material composition. To achieve this, optical fibers are dissected, and their various components are examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques are introduced to the students as the principal methods for analysing the microstructure and composition of these components. Through these experiments, students acquire knowledge about the involved materials and develop a more precise understanding of their roles in these devices. This experience enables them to engage consistently with three key concepts of Materials Science: composition, structure, and properties.

Keywords:

Optical fiber, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Problem-Based Learning.