cotton - natural fiber, grows as a plant

flax - natural fiber, grows as a plant

jute

silk

bamboo

wood fiber

wood pulp

artificial fiber

polyester

artificial fiber made of regenerated cellulose or by sponification (acetate rayon)

- pure silia, plastic or other material whose primary purpose is to convey light over some distance. Optical fiber materials also convey wavelengths near visible light for useful purposes in communications systems.

plastic fiber

A measure of the fineness of yarn and fiber filaments.

warp

weft

twine

Lycra is a semented polyurethane. Lycra is a registered trademark of DuPont.

soluble fiber

insoluble fiber

viscose

Spandex

polyamide

polypropylene

polyolefin

artificial fiber produced by polymerisation. Result of the reaction between an organic acid and an alcohol.

acrylic

A polyester fiber produced by ICI. Registered trademark of ICI.

a fabric produced by one of a number of special methods designed to produce a smooth glossy slippery surface. satin's may be produced by warp-effect or filling weave. Santins may be made with acetate, rayon, nylon silk or polyester fibers. Common satins are usually polyester-based.

Snell's Law

refractive index - a ratio measure of how much light and other waves bend as they move from material of one composition the a material of a different composition.

numerical aperture

A sheer fabric made from cotton, rayon, wool or silk with a plain weave. Often used in dressmaking and houshold items like curtains.

twill

tartan

broadcloth

single mode fiber

multi mode fiber

cladding