No, optical fiber technology did not originate during the Industrial Revolution. The concept of transmitting light through flexible glass or plastic fibers emerged much later. While the Industrial Revolution, which occurred primarily in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was characterized by significant advancements in many areas, including manufacturing and transportation, the development of optical fiber began in the mid-20th century.
The foundational work for optical fibers can be traced back to the 1960s when researchers, including Charles K. Kao, demonstrated that light could be transmitted over long distances through thin glass fibers. Kao's work laid the groundwork for the development of modern fiber-optic communication systems.
Overall, optical fiber technology is a product of the technological advancements of the 20th century rather than the Industrial Revolution.