Certified Fiber Optics Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Mastering Your Certification!

Microbending in fiber optics primarily occurs due to the application of pressure or stress on the fiber, which can lead to microscopic deformations in the fiber's core. These small bends can disrupt the light path within the fiber, causing signal loss or degradation of the transmitted signal.

When pressure is applied to the fiber optic cable, it can create these microbends that are not immediately apparent but can significantly impact performance over time. This stress might arise from improper cable handling during installation, inadequate support systems, or tension applied while routing the cable. In contrast, while excessive bending, temperature fluctuations, and inadequate shielding can impact fiber performance, they are more associated with other types of bending or signal interference rather than the specifically defined phenomenon of microbending.