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single-mode fiber
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Diagram showing the structure of a fibre-optic cable on the left, with labeled layers including bundled optical fibers, strength element, copper pipe, steel strands, and protective sheath. On the right, three types of optical fibers-single-mode, multimode graded-index, and multimode stepped-index-are illustrated, each with diagrams of how light travels through their cores and cladding.
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single-mode fiber

communications technology
Also known as: SM fiber
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Diagram showing the structure of a fibre-optic cable on the left, with labeled layers including bundled optical fibers, strength element, copper pipe, steel strands, and protective sheath. On the right, three types of optical fibers-single-mode, multimode graded-index, and multimode stepped-index-are illustrated, each with diagrams of how light travels through their cores and cladding.
optical fibres (Left) Cutaway drawing of an optical fibre cable, showing bundled fibres and protective sheathing; (right) schematic drawing of three types of optical fibres, showing propagation of light rays and refractive indexes.

Single-mode fiber is a type of optical fiber used in telecommunications. It transmits data using light through thin glass or plastic fibers. Unlike other types of optical fibers, single-mode fiber has a very small core diameter, typically 10 micrometers or less. This design allows only one mode, or path, for light to travel through the fiber, eliminating a phenomenon called multimode dispersion. This results in a clearer, stronger signal over long distances with minimal signal loss or distortion. Because of these advantages, single-mode fibers are the dominant choice for long-distance optical communication links.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. telecommunications media - Optical fibres
  2. fiber optics

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