optical fibre

Definition: Extremely narrow filament of drawn or extruded glass or plastic having a central core and an outer cladding of lower index material. * Light travels the length of the fibre due to internal reflection, with minimal loss. * Used to transmit pulsed optical signals for communications as single fibres in e.g. cable phone and TV; or in tightly organised bundles to transmit images or to pipe light. * In the latter case may be referred to as fibre optic.

Related Terms: fibre optic

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