What is the main purpose of cladding in optical fibers?

The main purpose of cladding in optical fibers is to confine light within the core. The cladding is a layer of material that surrounds the core of the fiber and has a lower refractive index than the core. This difference in refractive index enables the principle of total internal reflection, which is essential for guiding light through the fiber without significant loss. As light travels through the core, it reflects off the cladding walls, ensuring that the light remains contained within the core even when the fiber is bent or twisted. The effectiveness of cladding in maintaining signal integrity over long distances is a critical aspect of optical fiber performance, particularly in telecommunications and data transmission applications.