OPTICAL FIBRES AND ITS USES

optical fiber and total internal reflection

Optical fiber uses the optical principle of "total internal reflection" to capture the light transmitted in optical fiber and confine the light to the core of the fiber. An optical fiber is comprised of a light-carrying core in the center, surrounded by a cladding that acts to traps light in the core

Optical fiber communication is free from electromagnetic interference. Fiber optic fibers do not carry high voltages or current. Hence, they are safer than electrical cables. It consists of a very thin fiber of silica or glass or plastic of a high refractive index called the core. The core has a diameter of 10 μm to 100 μm,

The critical angle in optics refers to a specific angle of incidence. Beyond this angle, the total internal reflection of light will occur. The trajectory of a ray of light will deviate from the normal path when it strikes a medium that has a lower refractive index.

The effect of total internal reflection is the intensity of refracted light is equal to the intensity of incident light. This makes it possible for optic fibers to send data using light with very little or no data loss,

The effect of total internal reflection is the intensity of refracted light is equal to the intensity of incident light. 

This makes it possible for optic fibers to send data using light with very little or no data loss.