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glossary
Single mode fiber optic: fiber optic enabling the propagation of only one transverse mode ( the fundamental mode )
Waist: position along the propagation axis where a laser beam has the smallest size
Gaussian beam: beam with a gaussian distribution of intensity in the plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation - fundamental transverse mode of a laser
Spatial mode: specific spatial distribution of the electromagnetic field in a plane perpendicular to the propagation axis of a light wave possibly emitted by a laser or possibly propagating in a waveguide ( like, for instance, a fiber optic ) - also called transverse mode
Transmission coefficient: ratio between transmitted radiation power (or intensity or amplitude) and incident radiation power (or intensity or amplitude)
Fiber optic: long cylindrical optical component guiding light
Coupling ratio ( fiber optics ): see « coupling efficiency »