Final answer:
Splicing is a two-step process crucial for preparing optical fibers for use, involving alignment and joining after cleaning. Optical fibers utilize total internal reflection with cladding to ensure minimal signal loss and maintain image quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Splicing optical fiber is typically a two-step process that involves precise alignment and then joining of the optical fibers. This process is crucial after the optical fiber has been properly prepared and cleaned, ensuring that the transmission of light is optimal. The optical fibers use the principle of total internal reflection, a phenomenon which confines the light within the core of the fiber by using cladding with a lower index of refraction than the core. The cladding not only prevents light from being transmitted between fibers in a bundle but also reduces loss of signal, maintaining a high-quality image or signal at the other end. This structure contributes to the durability and flexibility of optical fibers, which are essential for their numerous applications, such as telecommunications and medical imaging.