Science: Picture Tube

If one beam of light can be transmitted along a glass tube, why not transmit detailed images along the same path? The problem has steadily resisted the best efforts of optical researchers. But now the University of Rochester's Indian-born Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany, 30, has succeeded by applying a technique he refers to as "fiber optics." With his new method, said Dr. Kapany last week, he has already designed a glass "gastroscope" which can be snaked down the throat for a detailed closeup view of the human stomach.

Fiber optics derives its name from its use of hair-thin strands of optical glass...