Abstract: When transmitting in higher-order modes (HOMs), the chances of dielectric breakdown in the bulk glass can be reduced by judicious selection of the mode of transmission. Since energy distributions in the HOM profile change with the mode order, one can calculate the peak intensity for any given HOM. Correspondingly, one can calculate whether any portion of the transmitted pulse will exceed the breakdown threshold for the optical fiber through which the HOM signal is being transmitted. Should the calculated energy exceed the dielectric breakdown threshold, another HOM with a lower peak intensity can be selected for signal transmission. Disclosed are systems and methods for selecting an appropriate HOM to reduce the likelihood of dielectric breakdown.