Which materials are primarily used in the construction of optical fibers?

Optical fibers are primarily constructed using silica glass and polymers due to their specific properties that enhance light transmission. Silica glass, made primarily from silicon dioxide, is widely used because it has a high purity level and enables the effective guiding of light through total internal reflection. This allows for minimal loss of signal over long distances.

Polymers are also utilized, particularly in plastic optical fibers, which are more flexible and easier to handle compared to glass fibers. These fibers are advantageous for short-distance applications where ease of installation is a priority over performance. The combination of silica glass for longer-distance capabilities and polymers for ease of use makes these materials the standard choice in the optical fiber industry.

The other options, which include metals like copper and aluminum, are typically used for electrical conductivity rather than light transmission. Wood and plastic do not possess the necessary optical properties to effectively transmit light. Similarly, steel and iron have no relevance in the context of optical communication, further underscoring the unique suitability of silica glass and polymers in this application.