A method of making a fiberoptic light guide utilizes a hollow glass
cladding blackened by chemical reduction. The cladding has a
predetermined lead content and is heated to an elevated temperature in an
atmosphere of substantially 100% hydrogen gas in a furnace. The
blackening step is accomplished before or after a bundle of optic fibers
is inserted within the cladding and is drawn to produce a fused
fiberoptic rod. The blackening step provides the cladding with a black
opaque nature that inhibits the transmission of light transversely
through the cladding.