Plastic Optical fiber (POF) (or Pmma Fiber) is an optical fiber that is made out of polymer. Similar to glass optical fiber, POF transmits light (for illumination or data) through the core of the fiber. Its chief advantage over the glass product, other aspect being equal, is its robustness under bending and stretching. Comparing with the glass optical fiber, the PMMA fiber cost is much lower.

Traditionally, PMMA (acrylic) comprises the core (96% of the cross section in a fiber 1mm in diameter), and fluorinated polymers are the cladding material. Since the late 1990s much higher performance graded-index (GI-POF) fiber based on amorphous fluoropolymer (poly(perfluoro-butenylvinyl ether), CYTOP) has begun to appear in the marketplace. Polymer optical fibers are typically manufactured using extrusion, in contrast to the method of pulling used for glass fibers.

PMMA fiber has been called the [consumer" optical fiber because the fiber and associated optical links, connectors, and installation are all inexpensive. Due to the attenuation and distortion characteristics of PMMA fibers, they are commonly used for low-speed, short-distance (up to 100 meters) applications in digital home appliances, home networks, industrial networks, and car networks. The perfluorinated polymer fibers are commonly used for much higher-speed applications such as data center wiring and building LAN wiring. Polymer optical fibers can be used for remote sensing and multiplexing due to their low cost and high resistance.

PMMA advantage:

No electricity at the point of illumination- fiber optic cables carry only light to the point of illumination. The illuminator and the electricity that powers it can be many yards away from the objects or areas being lit. For fountains, pools, spas, steam showers or saunas - fiber optic systems are the safest way to provide illumination.
No heat at the point of illumination - fiber optic cables carry no heat to the point of illumination. No more hot display cases and no more burns from overheated lamps and fixture, and if you're lighting heat-sensitive materials like food, flowers, cosmetics or fine art, you can have bright, focused light without heat or heat damage.
No UV rays at the point of illumination - fiber optic cables carry no destructive UV rays to the point of illumination, which is why the world's great museums often use Fiber Optic Lighting to protect their ancient treasures.
Easy and/or remote maintenance - whether the issue is access or convenience, fiber optic systems can make re-lamping a breeze. For fixtures that are difficult to access, the illuminator can be located in a place that's easier to reach, and for multiple small lights (stair lights, paver lights or chandeliers) changing a single illuminator lamp re-lamps every light at once.
For preserving fragile and precious items, fiber optic systems provide bright but gentle light.