What are the primary materials used to manufacture optical fibers?

The primary materials used to manufacture optical fibers are glass and plastic due to their unique properties that enable efficient light transmission. Glass fibers are made from silica and are known for their low attenuation and high bandwidth capabilities, making them suitable for long-distance communication. The transparency of glass allows for minimal loss of signal over long distances, which is crucial for telecommunications.

Plastic optical fibers are made from polymer materials and, while they generally have higher attenuation than glass fibers, they are more flexible, easier to handle, and often less expensive to produce. These fibers are suitable for short-distance applications, such as in home networks and automotive systems due to their flexibility and ease of installation.

In summary, the selection of glass and plastic as the primary materials is based on their effectiveness in transmitting light over various distances, their manufacturing processes, and the application requirements in different environments, making them the optimal choices for optical fiber production.