Question

Advanced optical sensors in air-to-air missiles use fiber optic cables to transmit light signals with minimal loss. This relies on a physical phenomenon that confines light within the fibers, making the system very dependable for guiding the missile precisely.

1. Name the optical phenomenon that allows light signals to remain confined within the fiber optic cables during transmission.
2. Explain the two main conditions necessary for this phenomenon to occur.

Answer 1

1. Total internal reflection
2. 1. A light ray should travel from a denser to a rarer medium.
   2. The angle of incidence must be greater than the critical angle.