The chromatic dispersion of an optical medium is basically the frequency dependence of the phase velocity and group velocity of light propagating in a medium. Therefore, it is also called group velocity dispersion. In an optical fiber, chromatic dispersion can lead to loss of data due to broadening of the light pulse on the receiving end of the transmission. The attribute "chromatic" is sometimes used to distinguish this type of dispersion from other types, which are relevant particularly for optical fibers: intermodal dispersion and polarization mode dispersion.

Chromatic dispersion is a result of the fact that different colors or wavelengths travel at different speeds, even within the same mode. Chromatic dispersion is also called material dispersion because the dispersion characteristics is related to the materials such as silica.

External links

• Dispersion - Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology
• Chromatic Dispersion and Polarization-Mode Dispersion - Willlner, A. OPN Trends, March 2002.