The core is the central part of the fiber that carries light signals. It is typically made of ultra-pure silica glass (SiO₂) for high-performance fibers, or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for plastic optical fibers . The core's diameter varies depending on the fiber type: single-mode fibers have a core around 8–10 µm for long-distance, high-bandwidth transmission, while multimode fibers have larger cores (50–62.5 µm) suitable for shorter distances .
Surrounding the core is the cladding, made of glass or plastic with a lower refractive index than the core. This difference in refractive index ensures total internal reflection, keeping light confined within the core and minimizing signal loss . The cladding also provides mechanical protection and contributes to the fiber's flexibility.
To protect the delicate core and cladding, fibers are coated with acrylate or polymer layers, which prevent scratches, reduce microbending, and enhance tensile strength . In outdoor or armored cables, additional strength members such as steel wires or aramid yarns may be included to resist tension and environmental stress.
The outer jacket is the final protective layer, made from materials like PVC, polyethylene, or flame-retardant compounds, chosen based on installation environment requirements such as fire resistance, UV protection, and moisture resistance . This layer ensures durability and safety during handling and deployment.
The combination of these materials allows optical cables to transmit data at high speeds over long distances, resist electromagnetic interference, and remain lightweight and corrosion-resistant compared to copper cables . The careful selection of materials for each layer ensures both signal integrity and mechanical reliability in diverse communication environments.
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