What two elements align optical fibers in a connection?

In optical fiber connections, the elements that align the fibers to ensure proper transmission of light signals are the ferrules and the mating adapter. Ferrules are small cylindrical components that house the end of the optical fiber and provide precise alignment, ensuring that the cores of the fibers being connected are closely aligned to minimize signal loss.

The mating adapter serves as a socket that accepts the ferrules from connected optical fibers, facilitating a snug fit that keeps the fibers aligned during operation. This alignment is crucial for high-performance fiber optic connections because any misalignment can lead to increased insertion loss and significantly degraded performance.

The other options describe elements related to fiber optics but do not specifically focus on the alignment of fibers in a connection. For instance, while the core and cladding are essential parts of the optical fiber itself (the core carries the light, and the cladding reflects the light within the core), they do not directly involve the alignment mechanism at the connection point. Similarly, the buffer and the jacket provide physical protection and environmental shielding but are not involved in the aligning process during connections. Lastly, splice protectors and connectors contribute to the overall integrity and protection of a fiber splice or connection but do not play a direct role in fiber alignment in the same way that ferr