Final answer:
Optical fibers are transparent fibers that work on the principle of total internal reflection, enabling them to carry signals for telecommunications with low loss and high bandwidth. Light propagates through the fibers via total internal reflection, and cladding material prevents signal loss and crosstalk.
option b is the correct
Step-by-step explanation:
Optical fibers are transparent fibers that work on the principle of total internal reflection. They are commonly used in telecommunications to carry telephone, internet, and cable TV signals. These fibers are typically made of plastic or glass and have a high degree of transparency, allowing light to travel several kilometers without significant loss—a feature known as low loss. Additionally, optical fibers have high bandwidth, capable of supporting multiple conversations or data transmissions simultaneously.
Light propagates through an optical fiber by entering at one end and repeatedly reflecting off the inner walls of the fiber due to total internal reflection. This occurs when the light strikes the interface between materials at an angle greater than the critical angle, and because the core of the fiber has a higher refractive index than the outer cladding.
Optical fibers are surrounded by a cladding material with a lower index of refraction to prevent light from leaking out and to minimize crosstalk between adjacent fibers. This structure allows light to be guided along the fiber with minimal loss, even around corners, making optical fibers efficient for long-distance communications and various applications like medical endoscopes and network connections.