ABSTRACT
The transfer function of a linear link is the product of the transfer functions of the individual components. A fiber optic link consists of a transmitter, a fiber with associated connectors and splices, and a receiver. The pulse spreading or signal risetime in a fiber optic link can be modeled as a single-pole transfer function, with the pole frequency depending on the length of the fiber, the fiber profile, and the optical source spectral width. Pulse spreading in the fiber limits the information bandwidth. The modal dispersion of a fiber is commonly given in terms of the distance-bandwidth product. Material dispersion is caused by the dependence of index of refraction on wavelength. The modal dispersion in the fiber is also referred to as the intermodal dispersion, meaning that it is due to an effect between different modes. The performance of a fiber optic link depends on the fiber index profile and core diameter.
