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Definition: transverse modes of a resonator or waveguide, excluding the fundamental (axial) modes
The modes of some optical resonator (resonant cavity) or the propagation modes of a waveguide can have different transverse intensity profiles and propagation constants, and this aspect is emphasized by the term transverse modes (or lateral modes). Those modes with the simplest intensity profile are called fundamental modes, and all others are higher-order transverse modes.
Not all waveguides support higher-order modes; they are then called single-mode waveguides (e.g. single-mode fibers).
The article on modes gives more details.
See also: modes, resonator modes, waveguides, fibers
Categories: fibers and other waveguides, general optics, resonators
