Which structural components are crucial in fiber optics to maintain signal integrity?

The core and cladding are essential structural components in fiber optics, as they work together to maintain signal integrity throughout the fiber. The core is the central part of the fiber where light travels, and it is designed to have a high refractive index, allowing for the efficient transmission of light signals. The cladding surrounds the core and has a lower refractive index, which causes total internal reflection of the light that travels within the core. This mechanism ensures that the light signals remain contained within the core, minimizing signal loss and allowing for long-distance transmission without degradation.

In contrast, while options like the outer jacket and shielding are important for protecting the fiber from physical damage and environmental factors, they do not directly contribute to the optical performance. Reflectors and lenses, as well as connectors and adapters, serve different roles in optical systems, such as directing light or facilitating connections between fibers but do not play a part in the fundamental light transmission process related to maintaining signal integrity within the fiber itself.