Today, the use of fiber optics range from the telecommunications industry to cable TV and computer networks.
Light is introduced into one end of the fiber.
Due to the material differences in the core and cladding and the angle at which the light enters the fiber, light can travel along the length of the fiber with very little attenuation. Due to the fragility of the fiber, protection needs to be added before the fiber can actually be used in the commercial world. Alcatel s cable plant takes up to 12 fibers and places them in a polypropylene tube. The jacket must then be cooled before it can be wound on a spool. This is accomplished by guiding the cable through a trough filled with chilled water.