In optical transmission, what does the term 'dynamic range' refer to?

The term 'dynamic range' in optical transmission refers to the range of power levels that can be effectively received while maintaining a reliable signal. It is a critical parameter that reflects how well a system can handle variations in input signal strength. In practical terms, a wide dynamic range allows the system to perform well across a variety of conditions, including low and high signal levels, without losing the integrity of the data being transmitted.

This characteristic is important because optical systems must be able to cope with different light levels from various sources, including those created by changes in distance, connectors, or environmental conditions. A system with a limited dynamic range may not effectively receive weak signals, resulting in data loss or errors in communication.

The other options focus on aspects not directly tied to the definition of dynamic range. For instance, maximum power output relates to the limit of the transmitter's power capability, but does not convey the ability to accommodate varying received power levels. The speed of data transmission pertains to bandwidth and how quickly data can be sent through the optical fiber rather than the range of signal power. Lastly, the level of signal distortion involves the degradation of signal quality due to various factors but does not reflect the range of power levels manageable by the system. Understanding dynamic range is essential for