"Magic" dispersion maps with distributed Raman amplification

We analyze pulse propagation in an optical fiber with a periodic dispersion map and distributed amplification. Using an asymptotic theory and a momentum method, we identify a family of dispersion management schemes that are advantageous for massive multichannel soliton transmission. For the case of two-step dispersion maps with distributed Raman amplification to compensate for the fiber loss, we find special schemes that have optimal (chirp-free) launch point locations that are independent of the fiber dispersion. Despite the variation of dispersion with wavelength due to the fiber dispersion slope, the transmission in several different channels can be optimized simultaneously using the same optimal launch point. The theoretical predictions are verified by direct numerical simulations. The obtained results are applied to a practical multichannel transmission system.

Passive regeneration in 40 Gbit/s-based WDM dispersion-managed RZ transmission systems by in-line NOLMs

All-optical passive regeneration in 40 Gbit/s-based wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) dispersion-managed return-to-zero (RZ) transmission system was discussed. In-line nonlinear optical loop mirrors (NOLM) were used. A feasibility of 300 GHz-spaced two channel unlimited transmission and 150 GHz-spaced two channel 25000 km transmission over the standard fiber were found.

Mitigation of patterning effects at 40 Gb/s by skewed channel pre-encoding

Through modelling of direct error computation, a reduction of pattern- dependent errors in a standard fiber-based transmission link at 40 Gb/s rate is demonstrated by application of a skewed data pre-encoding. The trade-off between the bit-error rate improvement and the data rate loss is examined.

A comparison of the spectral properties of high temperature annealed long period gratings inscribed by fs laser, UV and fusion-arc

Long period gratings have been inscribed in standard single mode fibre using a fs laser system, a fusion arc and a UV laser and a comparative study carried out of their thermal behaviour. The fs laser induced gratings can survive temperatures in excess of 800°C, however the inscription process can induce considerable birefringence within the device. Annealing studies have been carried out showing that below 600°C, all three grating types show a blue shift in their room temperature resonance wavelengths following cyclic heating, while above 600°C, the UV and arc induced LPGs exhibit a red shift, with the fs LPG showing an even stronger blue shift. High temperature annealing is also shown to considerably reduce the birefringence induced by the fs inscription process.

Reduction of XPM penalty by sub-bit delay demodulation of DQPSK

We show that using a shortened delay in the demodulator for DQPSK channels can significantly reduce the XPM penalties caused by transmitting 40Gb/s DQPSK channels alongside 10Gb/s OOK channels. © 2010 Optical Society of America.

Surface nanoscale axial photonics : robust fabrication of high-quality-factor microresonators

Recently introduced surface nanoscale axial photonics (SNAP) makes it possible to fabricate high-Q-factor microresonators and other photonic microdevices by dramatically small deformation of the optical fiber surface. To become a practical and robust technology, the SNAP platform requires methods enabling reproducible modification of the optical fiber radius at nanoscale. In this Letter, we demonstrate superaccurate fabrication of high-Q-factor microresonators by nanoscale modification of the optical fiber radius and refractive index using CO laser and UV excimer laser beam exposures. The achieved fabrication accuracy is better than 2Å in variation of the effective fiber radius. © 2011 Optical Society of America.

Basic elements for microfiber photonics : micro/nanofibers and microfiber coil resonators

The basic functional element of microfiber photonics is a microfiber coil resonator (MCR), which potentially can perform filtering, time delay, and nonlinear transformations of electromagnetic waves, as well as sensing of the ambient medium. The first experimental demonstration of an MCR has been recently performed by researchers of the OFS Laboratories (Optical Fiber Communication Conference 2007, Postdeadline paper PDP46). This paper follows up on the later publication presenting a brief introduction to the theory, transmission properties and applications of optical micro/nanofibers and MCRs. Fabrication of MCRs in air and in liquid is reported. For the MCR immersed in liquid, the Q-factor exceeding 60 000 is achieved. © 2008 IEEE.

Ultra-long mode-locked Er-droped fibre lasers

The development of ultra-long (UL) cavity (hundreds of meters to several kilometres) mode-locked fibre lasers for the generation of high-energy light pulses with relatively low (sub-megahertz) repetition rates has emerged as a new rapidly advancing area of laser physics. The first demonstration of high pulse energy laser of this type was followed by a number of publications from many research groups on long-cavity Ytterbium and Erbium lasers featuring a variety of configurations with rather different mode-locked operations. The substantial interest to this new approach is stimulated both by non-trivial underlying physics and by the potential of high pulse energy laser sources with unique parameters for a range of applications in industry, bio-medicine, metrology and telecommunications. It is well known, that pulse generation regimes in mode-locked fibre lasers are determined by the intra-cavity balance between the effects of dispersion and non-linearity, and the processes of energy attenuation and amplification. The highest per-pulse energy has been achieved in normal-dispersion UL fibre lasers mode-locked through nonlinear polarization evolution (NPE) for self-modelocking operation. In such lasers are generated the so-called dissipative optical solitons. The uncompensated net normal dispersion in long-cavity resonatorsusually leads to very high chirp and, consequently, to a relatively long duration of generated pulses. This thesis presents the results of research Er-doped ultra-long (more than 1 km cavity length) fibre lasers mode-locked based on NPE. The self-mode-locked erbium-based 3.5-km-long all-fiber laser with the 1.7 µJ pulse energy at a wavelength of 1.55 µm was developed as a part of this research. It has resulted in direct generation of short laser pulses with an ultralow repetition rate of 35.1 kHz. The laser cavity has net normal-dispersion and has been fabricated from commercially-available telecom fibers and optical-fiber elements. Its unconventional linear-ring design with compensation for polarization instability ensures high reliability of the self-mode-locking operation, despite the use of a non polarization-maintaining fibers. The single pulse generation regime in all-fibre erbium mode-locking laser based on NPE with a record cavity length of 25 km was demonstrated. Modelocked lasers with such a long cavity have never been studied before. Our result shows a feasibility of stable mode-locked operation even for an ultra-long cavity length. A new design of fibre laser cavity – “y-configuration”, that offers a range of new functionalities for optimization and stabilization of mode-locked lasing regimes was proposed. This novel cavity configuration has been successfully implemented into a long-cavity normal-dispersion self-mode-locked Er-fibre laser. In particular, it features compensation for polarization instability, suppression of ASE, reduction of pulse duration, prevention of in-cavity wave breaking, and stabilization of the lasing wavelength. This laser along with a specially designed double-pass EDFA have allowed us to demonstrate anenvironmentally stable all-fibre laser system able to deliver sub-nanosecond high-energy pulses with low level of ASE noise.

Impact of FBGs reflectivity shape on spectra of radiation in 10 km Raman fibre laser

We study the impact of the shape of fibre Bragg gratings spectral reflectivity on spectral broadening in a 10 km Raman fibre laser. We show that, at high powers, spectral characteristics are determined by intra-cavity processes rather than by the gratings profile.

Basic elements for microfiber photonics:micro/nanofibers and microfiber coil resonators

The basic functional element of microfiber photonics is a microfiber coil resonator (MCR), which potentially can perform filtering, time delay, and nonlinear transformations of electromagnetic waves, as well as sensing of the ambient medium. The first experimental demonstration of an MCR has been recently performed by researchers of the OFS Laboratories (Optical Fiber Communication Conference 2007, Postdeadline paper PDP46). This paper follows up on the later publication presenting a brief introduction to the theory, transmission properties and applications of optical micro/nanofibers and MCRs. Fabrication of MCRs in air and in liquid is reported. For the MCR immersed in liquid, the Q-factor exceeding 60 000 is achieved. © 2008 IEEE.

Reduction of XPM penalty by sub-bit delay demodulation of DQPSK

We show that using a shortened delay in the demodulator for DQPSK channels can significantly reduce the XPM penalties caused by transmitting 40Gb/s DQPSK channels alongside 10Gb/s OOK channels. © 2010 Optical Society of America.

Evaluating the Capacity of Phase Modulator-Controlled Long-Haul Soliton Transmission

We review recent developments in the use of optical solitons for communication systems spanning transoceanic distances. The implementation of "soliton control" to alleviate the detrimental impact of effects such as amplifier noise is shown to be critical for obtaining advantages over competing technologies. The potential performance of two control strategies, namely straight line filtering and synchronous phase modulation, is examined in detail. Design diagrams are used to determine the maximum permissible amplifier spacing, which is a key determinant of system economics. To focus the enquiry, two example system spans are taken, representing transatlantic and transpacific distances. It is concluded that straight line filtering provides very little improvement over a basic design without control. However synchronous phase modulation, which may be implemented using a handful of actively driven components, provides very substantial benefits. These may be used either to extend the overall bit-rate-distance product of the system or to increase the amplifier spacing at more moderate capacities. © 1995 Academic Press. All rights reserved.

Compensating for dispersion and nonlinear Kerr effect without phase conjugation

We propose the use of a dispersive medium with a negative nonlinear refractive-index coefficient as a way to compensate for the dispersion and the nonlinear effects resulting from pulse propagation in an optical fiber. The undoing of pulse interaction might allow for increased bit rates.

20-km distributed temperature sensor based on spontaneous Brillouin scattering

We report on a novel experimental setup for distributed measurement of temperature, based on spontaneous Brillouin scattering in optical fiber. We have developed a mode-locked Brillouin fiber ring laser in order to generate the dual frequency source required for a heterodyne detection of the backscattered signal. This relatively simple system enables temperature measurements over 20 km with a spatial resolution of 7 m.

In-fibre twist sensor based on TFBG structures

We report a novel in-fibre twist sensor utilising strong polarisation dependent coupling behaviour of fiber Bragg grating with 81° tilted structure. The demonstrated twist sensor has shown high torsion sensitivity and capability of direction recognition.