User Manual

Measuring Chromatic Dispersion: Theory

94 FTB-5800

Helping You Manage Chromatic Dispersion

The zero-dispersion wavelength (where dispersion is at zero) corresponds

to the wavelength point at which the fiber under test reaches its maximum

bandwidth. The slope from this zero-dispersion point indicates how fast

dispersion rises as wavelength increases. Key chromatic dispersion

parameters are the dispersion zero and the slope at zero dispersion.

Getting precise chromatic dispersion parameters helps you select the right

dispersion-compensated fiber or material in order to reverse the dispersion

and dispersion slope before the data is interpreted by the receiver at the

other end of the line.

The effects of chromatic dispersion decrease with a reduction in the

absolute value of the fiber chromatic dispersion or with dispersion

compensation.