What is the typical core diameter of single-mode fiber?

The typical core diameter of single-mode fiber is indeed in the range of 8 to 10 microns. Single-mode fiber is designed to carry light directly down the fiber without much modal dispersion, which allows it to support longer distances and higher bandwidths. The small core diameter enables only one mode of light to propagate, which is essential for maintaining the signal integrity over long distances.

In comparison, multimode fibers have larger core diameters (such as 50 microns and 62.5 microns) to accommodate multiple light modes, but this can lead to modal dispersion over long distances and make them less suitable for high-speed data applications compared to single-mode fibers. This distinction is crucial in telecommunications and networking, where single-mode fibers are preferred for long-haul applications.

Therefore, the answer specifying the core diameter range of 8 to 10 microns accurately reflects the specifications and operational principles of single-mode optical fibers.