Abstract: A single-polarization single-mode optical fiber comprises a core made of silica glass, a clad surrounding the core and made of silica glass having a smaller index of refraction than the glass comprising the core, a pair of stress applying members symmetrically disposed on the clad and made of silica glass having different thermal expansion coefficient from that of the clad, spacers interposed between the stress applying members and made of silica glass having substantially the same thermal expansion coefficient as the clad, and a jacket surrounding the spacers, stress applying members. The jacket is also made of silica glass and has a smaller expansion coefficient than the stress applying members. The optical fiber of this invention has an excellent polarization preserving characteristic, low loss, long length, and stable characteristics.