Background and Identification
Fiber optics are a method of transmitting light by use of a fiber optic cable, typically made of long strands of silica glass or plastic roughly the diameter of human hair. The light is transmitted between the ends of the cable, which typically consist of a core and cladding of differing indexes of refraction. The lower index of refraction in the cladding allows for total internal reflection of the light, wherein the light hitting the boundary between the cladding and core never exceeds the critical angle and so is completely reflected.
These devices are used in medical applications where precise lighting is paramount, like in endoscopy cameras or surgical equipment.