How do optical fibers work?

Optical fibers are a type of technology used in telecommunications that transmit information from one place to another using light. They work by confining light within a glass or plastic fiber, which is then used to transmit information in the form of data. The fiber is made up of a core, which is the area through which light travels, and a cladding, which surrounds the core and helps to keep the light within the fiber.

When light enters the fiber, it travels down the core through a process called total internal reflection. Total internal reflection occurs when the angle at which the light hits the surface of the fiber is less than the critical angle, which is the angle at which the light would refract out of the fiber. As a result, the light is reflected back into the core and continues to travel down the fiber.

Optical fibers are used for a variety of applications, including telecommunications, medical imaging, and lighting. They offer several advantages over traditional copper wire, including higher bandwidth, longer transmission distances, and immunity to electromagnetic interference. As a result, they are widely used in many different industries and applications.