cladding

(noun)

One or more layers of materials of lower refractive index, in intimate contact with a core material of higher refractive index.

Related Terms

Examples of cladding in the following topics:

  • Total Internal Reflection and Fiber Optics

    • The basic functional structure of an optical fiber consists of an outer protective cladding and an inner core through which light pulses travel.
    • The difference in refractive index of the cladding and the core allows total internal reflection in the same way as happens at an air-water surface show in .
    • Fibers in bundles are clad by a material that has a lower index of refraction than the core to ensure total internal reflection, even when fibers are in contact with one another.
    • This shows a single fiber with its cladding.