what is optical fibre in physics

Optical fiber is a technology associated with data transmission using light pulses traveling along a long fiber, usually made of plastic or glass. It is used as a medium for telecommunication and computer networking because it is flexible and can be bundled as cables. The fiber optic cable uses the application of total internal reflection of light. The core, cladding, and outer coating are all components of an optical fiber. The core of the optical fibers is made of glass or plastic, and the cladding is made of dielectric materials. The refractive index of the core must be greater than that of the cladding to confine the optical signal in the core. Light rays can be used to transmit a huge amount of data, but the light rays travel in straight lines. So, the optical cables are designed such that the light signals are sent through the fiber optic cable, they reflect off the core and cladding in a series of zig-zag bounces, following a process called total internal reflection. The fiber optic cable can contain a varying number of these glass fibers, and the fibers are coated with plastic layers. Optical fibers are unaffected by electromagnetic interference and consume less power. The diameter of the optical fiber is equal to the human hair, and it can transmit information faster than traditional electric cables.