What is the typical wavelength used for single-mode fiber communication?

In single-mode fiber communication, the typical wavelengths used are 1310 nm and 1550 nm. Single-mode fibers are designed to carry light directly down the fiber without much reflection, which allows them to support longer distances and higher data rates compared to multimode fibers.

The 1310 nm wavelength is utilized for medium-range applications, providing a good balance between attenuation and dispersion. The 1550 nm wavelength is optimal for long-distance communication as it has lower attenuation, allowing signals to travel further without the need for repeaters. The choice of these specific wavelengths is largely due to their positioning in the optical spectrum, where the loss in the fiber is minimal, thereby ensuring effective and efficient data transmission over great distances.

Other wavelengths mentioned, such as 850 nm, are typically used in multimode fiber and are not suitable for single-mode applications. This makes the choice of 1310 nm and 1550 nm particularly significant for the context of single-mode fiber communications. The 1300 nm option is somewhat close but does not highlight the more common use of 1310 nm and 1550 nm together, which is a key highlight in understanding single-mode operations. The 1600 nm option goes beyond the typical use for single-mode fibers