How to cut optical fiber by hand

Video overview

In the video, Prof. Hagai Eisenberg from the Racah Institute of Physics at the Hebrew University explains fiber optics, how they are used to operate advanced drones (with an emphasis on the Lebanese arena), and how they can be easily cut in the field to neutralize the threat.

Main points from the video

Fiber optic structure: The fiber consists of a thin glass core (about 125 microns thick – roughly the thickness of a hair) coated in plastic. This combination gives the fiber great strength, making it very difficult to tear with a simple pull.

The fiber's role in drones: Drones use a fiber optic cable unspooled from within them to transmit real-time video to the operator and receive flight commands. Severing this fiber will cause the immediate loss of the video feed and lead to the drone's crash.

How to locate the fiber in the field

How to locate the fiber in the field: The drone doesn't "drag" the fiber; it simply releases it mid-air, allowing it to fall "like a spiderweb" onto the ground and vegetation. To find it:

Look for "sparkles" or glints in the sunlight.

Do not chase the drone; go to areas where it flew relatively low (like over bushes) and move perpendicularly to its flight path to intercept the fiber. It is recommended to protect your face and neck with your arm while searching.

A method for cutting the fiber without a knife

A method for cutting the fiber without a knife: Once you find the fiber, there is no need for a knife or brute force:

Make a loop in the fiber.

Hold the intersection point of the loop between two fingers and pull.

The pulling action rapidly decreases the loop's radius. The glass core cannot withstand such a tight bending radius, causing the fiber to snap and cut easily (you can even hear the "click" of the break).