Microstructured optical fibers rely on the characteristics of photonic crystals to guide light. Practical applications for these unique fibers are emerging.Dr. Wolfgang Mannstadt, Dr. Bernd Drapp, Bernd Hoppe and Dr. Dirk Sprenger, Schott AGFor almost 40 years, glass fibers have guided and transmitted light, providing optical solutions in many fields of technology. During the past decade, a new variety of optical fiber, microstructured fiber, has emerged from the laboratory and is finding applications where conventional fiber either cannot be used or performs with far less efficiency. Figure 1. Classical optical fiber consists of a core and a cladding whose different refractive indices confine light in the core by total internal reflection (top). 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