Plastic fiber optics usually have a large, monofilament core. Advances in LED technology have improved the performance and range of plastic fiber optic sensing systems to the point that they are nearly equivalent to glass fibers. Plastic fibers are a versatile, cost-effective choice for many fiber optic sensing applications.
Advantages:
-Less expensive
-Allow less signal attenuation
-More flexible
-Survive well under repeated flexing
-Can be cut to length in the field
-Can be routed into extremely tight areas