Optical fibers are thin strands of glass or plastic that transmit light over long distances by exploiting a principle called total internal reflection.
How They Work:
- Each fiber consists of a core (where light travels) and a cladding (surrounding layer with a lower refractive index).
- When light enters the core at a suitable angle, it reflects completely at the core–cladding boundary instead of escaping.
- This repeated total internal reflection keeps the light confined within the core, even around bends.
Key Advantages:
- Low signal loss over long distances
- Immunity to electromagnetic interference
- High bandwidth, allowing fast data transmission
Applications:
- Internet and telecommunications
- Medical imaging (e.g., endoscopes)
- Industrial sensors
- Military and aerospace communications
Optical fibers have revolutionized communication by enabling the rapid and reliable transfer of information across the globe.