What does "light source stability" refer to?

Light source stability refers to the consistency of output power over time. In fiber optic communication, the stability of the light source is crucial because it directly affects the performance and reliability of the optical signal being transmitted. A stable light source ensures that the power level remains constant without significant fluctuations, which can lead to variations in signal strength and quality at the receiver end.

Variability in light output can result in signal degradation, increased bit error rates, and challenges in maintaining proper signal integrity. Therefore, ensuring a stable light source is essential for effective data transmission in fiber optic systems. This stability is typically measured in terms of power output in decibels (dBm) over a specified time period, which helps in assessing the performance of the optical system under varying conditions.