What does the term "refraction" refer to in the context of optical fibers?

The term "refraction" in the context of optical fibers specifically refers to the bending of light as it passes through different mediums. This phenomenon occurs due to the change in light's speed when it transitions between materials with different refractive indices. In optical fibers, when light travels from air (or another medium) into the glass or plastic core of the fiber, it bends towards the denser medium. This bending allows the light to be guided along the fiber, making it possible for data to be transmitted over long distances with minimal loss.

Understanding refraction is crucial for designing optical fiber systems since it directly influences the efficiency and performance of the fiber in transmitting signals. The principles of refraction are foundational to how fibers are constructed and how light travels within them, affecting factors such as the angle of incidence and critical angles that must be adhered to for total internal reflection to occur. This is essential for maintaining signal integrity during transmission.

The other concepts listed do not describe refraction itself. Absorption pertains to the loss of light energy during transmission, while scattering refers to the dispersion of light within the fiber, both of which can reduce signal quality. The generation of electricity from light is related to different phenomena like photovoltaic effects and is not relevant to the concept of ref