What type of light travels at different speeds in fiber optics, leading to chromatic dispersion?

Chromatic dispersion occurs in fiber optics due to the fact that light consists of various wavelengths, each traveling at slightly different speeds through the fiber material. This phenomenon can cause distortions in the signal, especially over longer distances, as the different wavelengths spread apart over time.

The presence of varying wavelengths means that some colors of light may arrive at the destination sooner than others, leading to a broadening of the pulse of light as it travels through the fiber. This is critical in high-speed fiber optic communication, where maintaining the integrity and clarity of the signal is essential for effective data transmission.

In contrast, light of the same wavelength does not contribute to chromatic dispersion because it would travel uniformly through the fiber. Light of varying intensities does not affect the speed of travel in the same manner, and thus, we wouldn't consider it a factor in dispersion. Additionally, stating that all light frequencies travel equally is inaccurate, as it disregards the fundamental principle of different speeds for different wavelengths.