LED Transmitter Light - emitting diode (LED) is a standard light source that carries low speed signals at short distances. LED light source is an all plastic fiber that transmits visible light. LED put out lower power and a bigger output pattern than laser light sources. LEDs have less bandwidth and are limiting to operate up to about 250Mhz or about 200Mbs. LED light sources do not contain hazardous material and last longer, about 10,000 hours. Bulbs generate less heat and it is friendlier to the environment because it used 5% less energy. LED transmitters are cheaper, they have a longer lifetime, and they more readily available.
Laser Transmitter
Lasers are more powerful and operate at faster speed than LEDs. Lasers are also more expensive than LEDs. Lasers transmitter have a much smaller and tighter light input and be easily coupled to single-mode fibers. Lasers are used for longer distances and high speed links. A lasers bandwidth capability can go up to 10 GHz and 10Gbps, making laser transmitter more expensive. Laser transmitters have very little chromatic dispersion because of it narrow spectral output.
Lasers are ideal for fiber optics because of the speeds and accuracy. Lasers are more appropriate in single-mode fiber because of its narrow spectrum. Laser transmitters are also used in Laser level finders. Laser level measures the level of the ground and returns the data.
LEDs would be more efficient is multimode fiber optic cabling because it has a broader spectrum than single-mode. LEDs are used in television remote controls to transmit a signal.
References
Building a real-time 2D laser range finder. (n.d.). MAKE. Retrieved November 16, 2013, from http://makezine.com/2010/04/03/diy-real-time-laser-range-finder/
Difference between Laser Light Source and LED Light Source. (n.d.). FiberStore blog about fiber optic products. Retrieved November 16, 2013, from
References: Building a real-time 2D laser range finder. (n.d.). MAKE. Retrieved November 16, 2013, from http://makezine.com/2010/04/03/diy-real-time-laser-range-finder/ Difference between Laser Light Source and LED Light Source. (n.d.). FiberStore blog about fiber optic products. Retrieved November 16, 2013, from http://www.fiberstore.com/blog/difference-between-laser-light-source-and-led-light-source.html How to Tell the Difference Between Fiber Optic Transmitters and Light Sources. (n.d.). EZ Articles. Retrieved November 16, 2013, from http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Tell-the-Difference-Between-Fiber-Optic-Transmitters-and-Light-Sources&id=1051885 Oliviero, A., & Woodward, B. (2009). Cabling the complete guide to copper and fiber-optic networking (4th ed.). Indianapolis, Ind.: Wiley Pub..