one of a group of cells that develop in the walls of the seminiferous tubules. Spermatogenic cells include spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatidsâall of which are transitional forms between primary sexual cells and spermatozoa.
long-haul optics. Long-haul optics refers to the transmission of visible light signals over optical fiber cable for great distances, especially without or with minimal use of repeaters. Normally, repeaters are necessary at intervals in a length of fiber optic cable to keep the signal quality from deteriorating to the point of non-usability. In long-haul optical systems, the goal is to minimize the number of repeaters per unit distance, and ideally, to render repeaters unnecessary.
Modern fiber optic cables can carry a signal quite a distance -- perhaps 60 miles (100 km). On a long distance line, there is an equipment hut every 40 to 60 miles. The hut contains equipment that picks up and retransmits the signal down the next segment at full strength. See the next page for more information.