What is the characteristic of single-mode fiber?

The characteristic of single-mode fiber that makes it distinct is its smaller core diameter, typically around 8 to 10 micrometers. This design allows it to carry light directly down the fiber without much reflection, which reduces modal dispersion. Because of this feature, single-mode fiber is ideally suited for long-distance communication, often spanning several kilometers or even more without significant signal loss. The ability to maintain signal integrity over such distances is why single-mode fiber is preferred in telecommunications and high-speed data applications.

In contrast, options that discuss larger core diameters or multimode applications miss the specific engineering principles that govern single-mode technology. Additionally, the reference to power requirements does not directly relate to fiber type characteristics, as both single-mode and multimode fibers can be designed to operate under various power conditions depending on the specific application.