What is the significance of “cladding” in fiber optics?

The significance of cladding in fiber optics lies primarily in its ability to prevent light from escaping the core of the fiber. The cladding is a layer of material that surrounds the core, made of a different type of glass or plastic that has a lower refractive index. This design causes the light traveling within the core to be contained effectively through a phenomenon known as total internal reflection. As light hits the boundary between the core and the cladding at a certain angle, it reflects back into the core rather than refracting out into the cladding, which allows the signal to travel long distances with minimal loss. This characteristic is critical for the performance of fiber optic cables, enabling efficient communication and data transfer.

Options referring to amplification, mechanical strength, or core size do not accurately capture the primary function of cladding in the context of fiber optics. Cladding does not amplify signals or increase the core diameter; its primary role is to maintain the integrity of the light signal within the fiber by preventing light escape. While mechanical strength is an important aspect of fiber optic design, the cladding's principal function is focused on maintaining effective light transmission.