In a fiber optic cable, which part is responsible for maintaining the signal integrity through reflection?

The cladding in a fiber optic cable plays a critical role in maintaining signal integrity through the principle of total internal reflection. It is a layer that surrounds the core, which is the central part of the fiber where the light signals are transmitted. The cladding is made from a material that has a lower refractive index than that of the core. This difference in refractive index is essential because when light traveling through the core hits the boundary between the core and the cladding at a steep angle, it reflects back into the core rather than refracting out into the cladding.

This process allows the light signals to travel long distances through the fiber without significant loss of strength or clarity, thereby maintaining the integrity of the transmitted data. In contrast, the core’s primary function is to carry the light signal, while the buffer is designed to protect the fiber from physical damage, and the outer jacket serves as an additional protective layer against environmental factors. Thus, the cladding's ability to facilitate reflection is key to the performance of fiber optic cables.