Which type of optical fiber produces less signal distortion?

Single mode fiber produces less signal distortion primarily due to its design and the way it transmits light. It has a smaller core diameter, typically around 8 to 10 micrometers, which allows only one mode of light to propagate through it. This minimizes modal dispersion, which is a primary cause of signal distortion in optical fibers. In single mode fibers, the light travels straight down the fiber with less deviation, enabling it to maintain the integrity of the signal over longer distances. This characteristic makes single mode fiber ideal for telecommunications and data transmission where low distortion and high bandwidth over longer runs are crucial.

In contrast, multimode fiber, which has a larger core, supports multiple modes of light propagation. While this allows for easier coupling of light and is generally suitable for short-distance communication, it leads to greater modal dispersion and, consequently, more signal distortion as different modes arrive at the destination at different times.