Step-index fiber

A step-index fiber is a type of optical fiber used to transmit light signals. It has a core made of glass or plastic with a uniform refractive index, surrounded by a cladding with a lower refractive index. Light travels through the core by bouncing off the boundary between the core and cladding, following a zigzag path. The “step” refers to the sharp change in refractive index at the boundary. This design is simple and effective for short-distance communication but can limit bandwidth and increase signal loss over longer distances compared to more advanced fiber types.