= Single-mode optical fiber
A <single-mode optical fiber> supports only its fundamental spatial guided <normal mode> at the operating <wavelength>, with possible distinct states of <polarization of an electromagnetic wave>. The designation must include <wavelength>: MIT's fibre laboratory explicitly notes that a fibre sold for single-mode operation can support several <normal modes> at its <helium>–<neon> <laser> <wavelength>.<Optical Waveguides and Fibers (MIT 6.161 laboratory exercise)>[Optical Waveguides and Fibers, MIT 6.161 Modern Optics Project Laboratory, Fall 2005, Laboratory Exercise No. 7, p. 8, §7.4(a): operating-wavelength qualification]{ref}
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