What effect does temporal dispersion have on data transmission in fiber optics?

Temporal dispersion in fiber optics refers to the spreading of optical pulses as they travel along the fiber. This phenomenon arises due to different wavelengths of light traveling at different speeds, resulting in the broadening of data pulses over distance.

When temporal dispersion occurs, data pulses that are intended to be transmitted as distinct units can overlap or interfere with each other, especially when they travel over long distances. This overlap can lead to a higher bit error rate, as the receiver may struggle to accurately distinguish between the incoming signals. Consequently, to maintain reliable communication, the transmission rate must often be reduced, resulting in lower data rates.

The implication here is that rather than improving data integrity or enhancing signal clarity, temporal dispersion negatively affects the ability to transmit data effectively at higher rates. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the impact of temporal dispersion on data transmission in fiber optics.