Which factor does NOT affect the performance of an optical fiber?

The performance of an optical fiber is influenced by various factors, including temperature variations, the length of the fiber, and the type of fiber core material. However, the visible light wavelength does not typically affect the performance in the same fundamental manner as the other factors.

Optical fibers transmit light based on the principle of total internal reflection, and the light used in communication systems often falls within a specific range of wavelengths that are optimized for minimal loss. While the fiber's design may accommodate different wavelengths, the core material and the overall construction of the fiber are primarily responsible for how effectively the optical signal travels through it.

Other factors such as temperature can impact the refractive index of the materials and, consequently, signal attenuation and performance. The length of the fiber in terms of loss over distance is also a critical factor, and different types of core materials can affect signal integrity and performance metrics like bandwidth and attenuation. In contrast, while wavelength can affect how a signal propagates, its influence is more related to the properties of the fiber and the type of signal used rather than being an inherent performance-determining factor in the way the others are.

Thus, the visible light wavelength does not fundamentally alter the performance characteristics of the optical fiber as the mentioned factors do