Twisting optical fiber uses topology to protect light signals from physical distortions or from fabrication-induced structural imperfections

https://phys.org/news/2026-02-optical-fiber-robust-pathway.html

"incorporates series of light-guiding cores arranged in spiral pattern, utilizing topological edge states, allowing light to travel along mathematically protected specific path, even when fiber bent/ stretched like in harsh environments... particularly vital for quantum internet, preserving delicate information over long distances... scalable: km of fiber wound around spool without losing protective properties... moving away from standard single-core designs toward multi-core, spiral-arranged structures"