How Do Different Wavelengths Affect Pulse Timing in Fiber Optics?

AI Thread Summary
Different wavelengths of light travel through fiber optics at varying speeds due to their refractive indices. In this case, the refractive indices for 500 nm and 600 nm light are 1.45 and 1.400, respectively, indicating that the 600 nm pulse will travel faster. To determine the relative timing of the two pulses exiting a 1 km fiber, one must calculate the group velocities using the given refractive indices. Although group velocity is a relevant concept, the problem may be solvable with basic principles of optics without needing advanced calculations. Understanding the relationship between wavelength and refractive index is crucial for solving this type of problem.
mmanu
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Homework Statement


I'm taking an introduction course in optics and I came across this exercise which I can't find how to solve:
"Two light pulses with different wave lengths 500 and 600 nm is sent into a 1 km long fiber.
n(610 nm) = 1.399, n(600 nm) = 1.400, n(510 nm) = 1.448, n(500) = 1.45.
When will the two pulses come out of the fiber relative to each other?"
(Hopefully the translation is OK..)

Homework Equations


I suspect that I might need to use group velocity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_velocity), but this has not been taught in the class so far, so perhaps there is an easier way to tackle the problem??

The Attempt at a Solution


Nothing that has ended up embarrassingly wrong... :/

Thanks in advance!

BR
/Manu
 
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Welcome to Physics Forums, mmanu.

So you have been given the refractive index of the fibre optic cable for a range of frequencies. How is the refractive index defined?
 
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