In optical-fiber technology, that surface of an optical fiber that is used to contact the transverse-alignment elements of a component such as a connector or mechanical splice. Note: For telecommunications-grade fibers, the reference surface is the outer surface of the cladding. For plastic-clad silica (PCS) fibers, which have a strippable polymer cladding (not to be confused with the polymer overcoat of an all-glass fiber,) the reference surface may be the core.