optické vlákno

Optical fibre is a specialised material consisting of a very thin core made of glass (silicon dioxide, SiO₂) or plastic, surrounded by a cladding layer with a lower refractive index. Its principle is the transmission of light through total internal reflection at the boundary between the core and the cladding. Although its origins go back to research before World War II, major advances occurred in the 1960s and 1970s thanks to the development of ultra-pure glass and fibre-drawing technologies. Manufacturing involves preparing a glass or plastic preform, from which a fibre of precise diameter is drawn at high temperatures, followed by the application of a protective coating. In the textile industry, optical fibres are used in so-called smart textiles—for decorative or signalling purposes, in interactive or safety garments, and in modern hybrid materials that combine lighting effects with conventional fabrics. They are characterised by flexibility, durability, and the ability to transmit light, significantly expanding both the design possibilities and functional applications of textiles.