Chromatic dispersion refers to the phenomenon where different wavelengths of light travel at different speeds through a medium, leading to the spreading out of a pulse of light over time. This effect is crucial in understanding how light behaves in optical fibers and other materials, influencing signal quality and data transmission rates in telecommunications. It arises from the wavelength-dependent refractive index of the medium, causing shorter wavelengths to travel faster than longer wavelengths.
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