What is a primary characteristic of single-mode fibers compared to multi-mode fibers?

Single-mode fibers are designed with a much smaller core diameter compared to multi-mode fibers, typically around 8 to 10 microns, allowing only one mode of light to propagate through the fiber. This design minimizes the dispersion of light signals and allows for the transmission of data over much longer distances with greater clarity.

A primary characteristic of single-mode fibers is indeed lower attenuation, which means they lose less signal strength as the distance increases compared to multi-mode fibers. This attribute makes single-mode fibers ideal for long-distance telecommunications and data applications, where maintaining signal integrity over kilometers is critical.

In contrast, multi-mode fibers have a larger core diameter, which can lead to multiple light paths and thus greater signal attenuation and dispersion over distances. This is important because, while multi-mode fibers are suitable for shorter distances typically within buildings or campuses due to their higher signal strength over these short runs, they do not support the same long-distance capabilities as single-mode fibers.

Thus, the characteristic of lower attenuation in single-mode fibers is crucial for high-performance applications requiring efficient and clear signal transmission over extensive lengths.