Question

What are the three basic parts of an optical fiber?

Answer 1

An optical fiber consists of three basic parts:

1. Core: The central part of the fiber, through which light travels. The core is made of glass or plastic and has a specific refractive index that allows the light to be transmitted through total internal reflection.
   

1. Cladding: Surrounds the core and has a lower refractive index than the core. The cladding keeps the light inside the core by reflecting it back whenever it hits the core-cladding boundary at a certain angle, ensuring the light stays within the core and travels along the fiber.
   

1. Jacket: The outer protective layer of the fiber, typically made of plastic or other durable materials. The jacket protects the core and cladding from physical damage, environmental factors, and ensures the fiber's integrity during handling or installation.
   

These three parts work together to allow efficient transmission of light signals over long distances in optical communication systems.