(n.) A glass or plastic filament that is used to transmit information using infrared or visible light. An optical fiber is typically a laser-driven carrier. The beam of light is an electromagnetic signal transmitted at an extremely high frequency. Optical fiber is less expensive than copper wire, and it is less susceptible to interference than other media. The light beams do not escape from the medium because of the total internal reflection. Fiber-optic connections provide extremely high bandwidth and security.
optical fiber
« BACK TO DICTIONARY INDEX