3.2.8

Optic Fibres

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Optical Fibres

Optical fibres transmit light by total internal reflection.

Illustrative background for CladdingIllustrative background for Cladding ?? "content

Cladding

  • Each fibre has a core of optically dense material that is covered by a layer of cladding with a much lower optical density.
  • This means that the boundary between the two materials has a very small critical angle.
Illustrative background for Small critical angleIllustrative background for Small critical angle ?? "content

Small critical angle

  • Only light approaching the boundary at an angle that is very close to the normal (90 degrees to the boundary) will cross the boundary and be refracted (this light is lost).
Illustrative background for Long distancesIllustrative background for Long distances ?? "content

Long distances

  • Most of the light will be totally internally reflected and continue to travel through the core.
  • In this way, optical fibres can transmit light over very long distances.

Jump to other topics

1Forces & Motion

1.1Basics of Motion

1.2Forces

1.3Effects of Forces

1.4Stopping Distance

1.5Forces & Elasticity

2Electricity

3Waves

4Energy Resources & Energy Transfers

5Solids, Liquids & Gases

6Magnetism & Electromagnetism

7Radioactivity & Particles

8Astrophysics

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