Which factor refers to reflections at interfaces within the fiber?

Which factor refers to reflections at interfaces within the fiber?

• A. Reflection
• B. Attenuation
• C. Dispersion
• D. Loss

Answer: (A)

Reflections at material boundaries inside a fiber occur when light reaches a boundary with a different refractive index, such as the core–cladding interface or a splice. At that boundary, part of the light is reflected back toward the source while part is transmitted forward. The amount reflected is set by the index contrast and described by Fresnel’s equations. This phenomenon is distinct from attenuation (overall power loss as light travels) and dispersion (pulse spreading due to wavelength-dependent speeds), and from generic loss which covers various causes of reduced power. So the factor that specifically refers to light bouncing at interfaces within the fiber is reflection.

Reflections at material boundaries inside a fiber occur when light reaches a boundary with a different refractive index, such as the core–cladding interface or a splice. At that boundary, part of the light is reflected back toward the source while part is transmitted forward. The amount reflected is set by the index contrast and described by Fresnel’s equations. This phenomenon is distinct from attenuation (overall power loss as light travels) and dispersion (pulse spreading due to wavelength-dependent speeds), and from generic loss which covers various causes of reduced power. So the factor that specifically refers to light bouncing at interfaces within the fiber is reflection.