What material is commonly used in optical fibers for carrying information?

Optical fibers are primarily made from glass due to its unique properties that allow for the effective transmission of light signals over long distances. Glass fibers have a high refractive index, which facilitates total internal reflection, allowing light to travel with minimal loss. This quality makes glass an ideal medium for carrying information in various telecommunications applications, including internet and cable TV services.

While plastic can also be used in optical fibers, particularly in applications requiring flexibility and lower costs, glass fibers are typically preferred for their superior performance in terms of bandwidth and distance capabilities. Metals do not transmit light and are thus unsuitable for optical fiber applications, and while silicon is a crucial material in electronics and photonics (used in devices like solar cells and semiconductors), it is not commonly used for the transmission of data through optical fibers. Therefore, glass stands out as the standard material in the creation of optical fibers used for carrying information.