HYBRID PLASTIC MICROWAVE FIBERS

The present invention relates to a hybrid composite fiber for transmission of data and power, comprising a dielectric waveguide adapted to transmit data from an end of the fiber to another end of the fiber via electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength above the optical spectrum, and an electrical conducting element disposed around the dielectric waveguide between the ends of the fiber, the electrical conducting element being adapted to be coupled to electrical potentials at each end of the fiber for carrying an electrical current between said ends of the fiber. The present invention also provides a hybrid power cable for transmission of data and power, a hybrid power plug for terminating the hybrid power cable, and a respective hybrid power socket. The present invention also provides a composite dielectric waveguide fiber, comprising: a core member having dielectric properties adapted to transport an electromagnetic wave with a wavelength in the microwave and/or in the millimeter wave range; and a shielding layer disposed around the core member and adapted to confine the electromagnetic wave within the core member; wherein the shielding layer comprises a conductive composite material.