While the concept of using light to transmit information has existed for centuries, the first practical implementation of fiber optics can be traced back to the 1950s.

Here's a breakdown:

* 1950s: Narinder Singh Kapany, a scientist working in London, developed the first fiber optic bundles that could transmit images. These bundles were made by combining hundreds of thin glass fibers, paving the way for practical applications.

* 1960s: Charles Kao and George Hockham, researchers at Standard Telephones and Cables (STC) in England, published a groundbreaking paper proposing the use of glass fibers for transmitting light over long distances. This opened up the possibility of replacing copper cables with fiber optic cables for telecommunications.

* 1970s: Technological advances, including the development of low-loss optical fibers, led to the first commercial fiber optic systems being deployed for telecommunications.

Therefore, while the initial work on fiber optics began in the 1950s, the field truly blossomed in the 1960s and 1970s, leading to the widespread adoption of fiber optic technology in various fields today.