Fiber optics transmit light signals through total internal reflection.
Fiber Optic Dispersion
Causes of Fiber Dispersion
Within fiber optics, light signals comprise multiple distinct components. Due to differing propagation speeds among signal frequency components or mode components, time delays emerge between these components after transmission over a distance. This causes signal waveform distortion and pulse broadening-a phenomenon termed fiber dispersion.
Impact of Fiber Dispersion
The presence of fiber optic dispersion causes signal pulses to become distorted and broadened during transmission, resulting in intersymbol interference. To ensure communication quality, the symbol spacing must be increased, which means reducing the signal transmission rate. This limits the communication capacity and transmission distance of fiber optic systems.
Classification of Fiber Optic Dispersion
Based on the cause of dispersion, fiber optic dispersion can be categorized into mode dispersion, material dispersion, waveguide dispersion, and polarization dispersion.