Which phenomenon decreases the effectiveness of optical signal propagation in fiber optics?

The phenomenon that decreases the effectiveness of optical signal propagation in fiber optics is scattering. In the context of fiber optics, scattering occurs when light waves encounter impurities or structural irregularities within the fiber material. These interactions cause some of the light to deviate from its intended path, leading to a loss of signal strength and clarity.

Scattering can be attributed to various factors, including Rayleigh scattering, which is associated with small particles and imperfections in the fiber, and Mie scattering, which is related to larger particles. Both types contribute to signal degradation over distance, making it critical to minimize scattering to maintain effective communication through fiber optic cables.

Unlike scattering, reflection, refraction, and transmission are essential processes that facilitate the guidance and transmission of light within fibers. Reflection occurs when light bounces off surfaces, refraction is the bending of light as it passes through different media, and transmission refers to the passage of light through the fiber. Understanding these phenomena is key to optimizing fiber optics performance, but it is scattering that specifically impairs signal efficacy.