Which of the following is a characteristic of single-mode fibers?

Single-mode fibers are designed to carry light directly down the fiber without much reflection, which allows them to support only one light path or mode. This unique configuration leads to several advantages, one of which is lower attenuation compared to multi-mode fibers.

The lower attenuation is a result of the fact that single-mode fibers minimize the dispersion and loss of the light signal over long distances. This makes them ideal for long-range telecommunications and high-speed data transmission, as the signal can travel further without degrading. In contrast, multi-mode fibers can suffer from modal dispersion due to the multiple light paths, which increases attenuation and reduces effective transmission distances.

The other characteristics associated with single-mode fibers, such as core size or cost, are distinctly different from those of multi-mode fibers. Single-mode fibers typically have a smaller core diameter compared to multi-mode fibers, which use larger cores to accommodate multiple light paths. Additionally, single-mode fibers often come at a higher price point due to the precision required in their manufacturing and the technology involved in their deployment, making them more suitable for specific applications rather than being universally cheaper.