This straightforward text examines the scientific principles, characterization techniques, and fabrication methods used to design and produce high quality optical fibers. Polymer Fiber Optics: Materials, Physics, and Applications focuses on the fundamental concepts that will continue to be useful in future applications, including photomechanical actuation, electro-optic fibers, and smart materials. The book covers the history and physics of polymer fibers; scientific basis and practical considerations for characterization techniques; and processing protocols and fabrication techniques. The book contains ample figures, diagrams, and photographs to illustrate fiber structures, experimental setup, fabrication apparatus, and theoretical calculations.