(a) State the principle of operation of fibre optics. (b) State two applications of fibre optics in medicine.

Answer Details

(a) The principle of operation of fiber optics is based on the concept of total internal reflection. Light is carried through a thin, flexible fiber made of glass or plastic. The inner core of the fiber has a higher refractive index than the outer cladding, which has a lower refractive index. When light enters the fiber, it is reflected multiple times off the core-cladding interface, and travels along the fiber due to total internal reflection. This allows the light to be transmitted over long distances without significant loss of energy or degradation of the signal.

(b) Fiber optics has many applications in medicine, including:

1. Medical imaging: Fiber optic cables can be used to transmit images from inside the body to an external device. For example, endoscopes use fiber optics to provide high-quality images of the digestive or respiratory systems.

2. Illumination: Fiber optics can also be used to provide light in medical procedures, such as laparoscopic surgery. The light source is positioned outside the body, and the light is transmitted to the surgical site via a fiber optic cable. This allows for bright, even illumination without exposing the patient to direct light.