Which material is commonly used in fiber optic cables?

Fiber optic cables are specifically designed to transmit data using light signals, which is why they are primarily made from materials that can efficiently guide light. Glass or plastic fibers are the core materials used in these cables because they possess unique optical properties that allow light to be transmitted over long distances with minimal loss.

Glass fibers, made of silica, are widely used for their superior performance in terms of signal strength and distance capability. They offer lower attenuation losses and higher bandwidth compared to plastic fibers. On the other hand, plastic optical fibers are used for short-distance applications due to their flexibility and ease of installation, albeit with higher attenuation rates than glass.

The other materials listed—aluminum, rubber, and copper—do not possess the optical properties required for transmitting light in the same way that glass or plastic can. Aluminum and copper are commonly used in traditional electrical wiring due to their conductivity, while rubber is typically used as insulation in various types of cables but does not have the properties needed for light transmission. Therefore, glass or plastic is the correct choice for fiber optic cables, as they enable effective and efficient data communication through light signals.