An optical fiber
it is a thin, flexible strand of glass or plastic that is used to transmit light over long distances. It works by guiding light along its length through a process called total internal reflection. Light enters the fiber at one end, and is repeatedly reflected off the inner walls of the fiber, due to the difference in the refractive index between the core (where the light travels) and the cladding (the outer layer that surrounds the core).
Principle of Optical Fiber:
The core of an optical fiber has a higher refractive index than the cladding, so when light enters the fiber, it is reflected back into the core, rather than leaking out into the cladding. This allows the light to be guided along the length of the fiber, with very little loss of signal.
Applications of Optical Fiber:
- Communication systems - optical fibers are used in communication systems to transmit information, such as voice, video, and data, over long distances with minimal signal degradation.
- Medical imaging - optical fibers are used in medical imaging, such as endoscopes, to examine internal parts of the body.
- Lighting - optical fibers are used in lighting applications to transfer light from a light source to where it is needed.
- Sensing - optical fibers can be used as sensors to measure temperature, pressure, strain, and other physical parameters.
- Scientific research - optical fibers are used in scientific research, such as spectroscopy and interferometry, to study light and its interactions with matter.