In fiber optics, the mode field diameter (MFD) is a measure of the width of an irradiance distribution, i.e., the optical power per unit area, across the end face of a single-mode fiber.
The mode field diameter is defined as twice the mode field radius, and the mode field radius is equal to the distance from the center at which the electric and magnetic field strengths are reduced to
Since the intensity (given by the Poynting vector) is proportional to the square of the field amplitude, the intensity drops by
The MFD is typically slightly larger than the core of an optical fiber extending slightly into the cladding.
[1] This article incorporates public domain material from Federal Standard 1037C.
General Services Administration.