How do I simulate a fiber-optic cable?

Open this page and use the live Prism Dispersion tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.

Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.

Can I use my own numbers?

Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a fiber-optic cable from your own measurements.

Use case · powered by Prism Dispersion

Prism Dispersion for a fiber-optic cable

Simulate a fiber-optic cable live in your browser. This runs the real Prism Dispersion solver — adjust the inputs, watch it respond instantly, and export the result. No install, no account.

For:Students Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers K-12 Students First Responders

Prism DispersionLive

refraction varies with wavelength

Controls

A prism bends violet light more than red because the refractive index depends on wavelength — splitting white light into a rainbow, exactly as Newton showed.

Presets

Dispersion strength

Exit angle

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Colors7 (ROYGBIV)

Causen(λ) dispersion

Most bentviolet

Snell's law of refraction

n_{1} sin θ_{1} = n_{2} sin θ_{2} : 1.00 sin 3 5^{\circ} = 1.55 sin θ_{2} \Rightarrow θ_{2} = 21. 7^{\circ}

Reading this result: At 1× dispersion and a 35° exit angle, each wavelength refracts by a slightly different amount, splitting white light into an ordered ROYGBIV band.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

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About this simulation

The full Prism Dispersion tool models a fiber-optic cable with the same numerics engineers and scientists use — running entirely client-side. Change any parameter and the result updates in real time, so you can build intuition, check a design, or teach the concept without spreadsheets or installs.

More you can do with Prism Dispersion

Prism Dispersion for a camera lens Prism Dispersion for a laser beam Prism Dispersion for a microscope Prism Dispersion for a telescope Prism Dispersion for a prism Prism Dispersion for a rainbow Prism Dispersion for a hologram Prism Dispersion for a solar cell

Other ways to simulate a fiber-optic cable

Snell's Law for a fiber-optic cable Diffraction Grating for a fiber-optic cable Curved Mirrors for a fiber-optic cable Laser Cavity for a fiber-optic cable Fiber Optics for a fiber-optic cable Gaussian Beam for a fiber-optic cable

Frequently asked questions

How do I simulate a fiber-optic cable?: Open this page and use the live Prism Dispersion tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.
Is it free?: Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.
Can I use my own numbers?: Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a fiber-optic cable from your own measurements.