Enkelvoudigemode

Enkelvoudigemode, a Dutch term, translates to "single mode" in English and is primarily used in the context of telecommunications, particularly fiber optics. It refers to a type of optical fiber that has a core diameter small enough to allow only a single mode of light to propagate through it. This single mode of light travels along the fiber's axis, minimizing signal distortion and allowing for higher bandwidth and longer transmission distances compared to multimode fibers.

The core of a single-mode fiber is typically very small, often around 9 micrometers in diameter, while the cladding surrounding it is usually 125 micrometers. This narrow core diameter is critical for ensuring that only one light path, or mode, can exist. Light is usually introduced into the fiber using a laser, which emits light with a narrow spectral width and a highly directional beam, suitable for coupling into the small core.

The advantages of single-mode fiber optics include significantly lower signal dispersion, which is the spreading of light pulses as they travel. This leads to less signal degradation over long distances, making it the preferred choice for telecommunications backbone networks, long-haul data transmission, and undersea cables. While single-mode fiber generally requires more precise alignment and more expensive light sources (lasers), its superior performance characteristics often outweigh these costs for demanding applications. The simplicity of signal propagation, with only one mode, also contributes to the clarity and integrity of the transmitted data.