What term describes the widening of light pulses as they move along the optical fiber?

The correct term that describes the widening of light pulses as they move along optical fiber is dispersion. Dispersion occurs due to the different speeds at which various wavelengths of light travel through the fiber, which can lead to the spreading out of the light pulse over distance. This phenomenon can result in signal degradation and is a critical factor to consider in the design and installation of fiber-optic networks.

In optical communication, managing dispersion is essential to maintain signal integrity, especially in high-speed data transmission. Understanding dispersion helps installers and network designers select appropriate fiber types and implement strategies to minimize its effects, ensuring efficient communication over long distances.