Attenuation and modal dispersion models for spatially multiplexed co-propagating helical optical channels in step index fibers: Comment

We comment on a recent paper [J Opt Laser Technol 43 (2011) 430–436] in which the authors introduce dispersion and attenuation models of spatially multiplexed channels in step index multimode fibers. We consider the theoretical explanation of the model given in the paper incorrect.     

Time domain algorithm for calculating spatially measured dispersion in optical fibers

Simple and fast algorithm for calculating spatially fiber chromatic dispersion is discussed. This method is applied on the data collected from measuring the Stokes wave of the back-reflected Rayleigh scattered signal in optical fiber under test. The data analysis is performed in the time domain contrary to already known analysis in frequency domain. The results achieved in the time domain match well with those in the frequency domain.     

Attenuation measurement of optical fibers for sensor technology

Generally the attenuation of optical fibers used for sensor technology is higher than that of fibers for telecommunications. This is difficult to measure by the optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR). This paper presents a simple method that employs an integrating sphere. The total and scattering attenuation coefficients can be calculated and discriminated by the measured power of the light scattered out of the optical fiber and collected by the integrating sphere.     

Attenuation measurement of optical fibers for sensor technology

Abstract

Generally the attenuation of optical fibers used for sensor technology is higher than that of fibers for telecommunications. This is difficult to measure by the optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR). This paper presents a simple method that employs an integrating sphere. The total and scattering attenuation coefficients can be calculated and discriminated by the measured power of the light scattered out of the optical fiber and collected by the integrating sphere.     

Optical-frequency dependent modal birefringence and polarization mode dispersion of birefringent single-mode optical fibers over a broadband optical wavelength range

Optical-frequency dependent polarization mode dispersion as well as modal birefringence of three kinds of specially designed hollow-induced birefringent single-mode fiber are measured over an optical frequency range between 345 and 410 THz by optical frequency-domain interferometry.     

Modeling dispersion in optical fibers: applications to dispersion tailoring and dispersion compensation

The phenomenon of temporal pulse dispersion, which is a key characteristic of an optical fiber communication system is described from the first principles. Beginning with the basics of dispersion in a bulk medium, these concepts are then applied to propagation of a pulse in an optical fiber. Details of modeling dispersion are then described in the context of dispersion tailoring and dispersion compensation with a view to form the foundation for subsequent chapters on dispersion compensation that follow in this report. Basic physics behind the design target for dispersion compensating fibers is discussed, which should be useful to fiber designers.     

Polarization dispersion in microstructure fibers with side channels

Polarization dispersion characteristics of microstructure optical fibers were analyzed. A significant difference between the spectral dependences of the phase and group birefringence of microstructure fibers and the polarization characteristics of a standard fiber having birefringence of the same order of magnitude is found. A new method for direct measurement of the phase birefringence is proposed and tested. The applicability of the technique for determining the phase birefringence with the use of the approximation known in the literature is analyzed.     

Light propagation with ultralarge modal areas in optical fibers

We demonstrate robust single-transverse-mode light propagation in higher-order modes of a fiber, with effective area A(eff) ranging from 2,100 to 3,200 microm(2). These modes are accessed using long-period fiber gratings that enable higher-order-mode excitation over a bandwidth of 94 mm with greater than 99% of the light in the desired mode. The fiber is designed such that the effective index separation between modes is always large, hence minimizing in-fiber mode mixing and enabling light propagation over lengths as large as 12 m, with bends down to 4.5 cm radii. The modal stability increases with mode order, suggesting that A(eff) of this platform is substantially scalable.     

Effects of fourth-order dispersion in very high-speed optical time-division multiplexed transmission

We present a closed-form expression for computation of the output pulse's rms time width in an optical fiber link with up to fourth-order dispersion (FOD) by use of an optical source with arbitrary linewidth and chirp parameters. We then specialize the expression to analyze the effect of FOD on the transmission of very high-speed linear optical time-division multiplexing systems. By suitable source chirping, FOD can be compensated for to an upper link-length limit above which other techniques must be employed. Finally, a design formula to estimate the maximum attainable bit rate limited by FOD as a function of the link length is also presented.     

Optical fibers and fiber dispersion compensators for high-speed optical communication

In order to meet the requirements necessary for advanced optical fiber transmission schemes that enable larger transmission capacity, higher efficiency and/or lower transmission costs per bit, optical fiber technologies are still evolving toward ultimate performance. Recent developmental activities have realized a number of improved performance optical fibers, such as ultra-low loss or ultra-low nonlinearity fibers and various types of dispersion-modified fibers. Fiber-based dispersion compensators or dispersion compensating fibers have also become one of the most essential optical components that support high-speed large capacity optical transmission. Very recently, the dispersion compensating fibers have further evolved into dispersion-managed optical transmission lines, which are now being actually deployed in transoceanic submarine optical cable networks.     

Circularly symmetric modal interferometers: Equalization wavelength and equivalent step determination for matched-cladding fibers

An LP₀₁-LP₀₂ modal interferometer fabricated from a standard matched-cladding telecommunication fiber is studied in the visible wavelength range. Its spectral response in the vicinity of the LP₀₁/LP₀₂ equalization wavelength is used to characterize the fiber by the determination of an equivalent step index profile.     

Modeling of a step index segmented core single mode optical fiber as a dispersion compensator

A segmented core central step index dispersion compensating fiber (DCF) has been modeled by using spot size optimization technique. We have designed and optimized the DCF by suitably adjusting different fiber parameters, i.e. inner core radius (a), central relative refractive index difference (Δ), normalized outer core position (p), width (b) and height (h) at different values of given Petermann-II spot sizes . The studies on the propagation behavior as well as bendloss and other losses of the DCF have been presented here. The proposed design of the DCF can possess improved bend performances over single core DCFs. At the same time higher negative dispersion coefficient in the single mode region as well as considerably high value of figure of merit (FOM) for optimized fiber parameters can be achieved for smaller spot sizes of the DCF. Further, inclusion of length independent splice loss modified this conventional FOM to a slightly lesser value of modified FOM.     

Semianalytical approach to short-wavelength dispersion and modal properties of photonic crystal fibers

Photonic crystal fibers made from arbitrary base materials are considered, and a unified semianalytical approach for the dispersion and modal properties is derived that applies to the short-wavelength regime. In particular, the dispersion and the effective index are calculated and compared with fully vectorial plane-wave simulations, and excellent agreement is found. Asymptotic results for the mode-field diameter and the V parameter are also calculated, and from the latter it is predicted that the fibers are endlessly single mode for a normalized airhole diameter smaller than 0.42, independently of the base material.     

Soliton models in resonant and nonresonant optical fibers

In this review, considering the important linear and nonlinear optical effects like group velocity dispersion, higher order dispersion, Kerr nonlinearity, self-steepening, stimulated Raman scattering, birefringence, self-induced transparency and various inhomogeneous effects in fibers, the completely integrable concept and bright, dark and self-induced transparency soliton models in nonlinear fiber optics are discussed. Considering the above important optical effects, the different completely integrable soliton models in the form of nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS), NLS-Maxwell-Bloch (MB) type equations reported in the literature are discussed. Finally, solitons in stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) system is briefly discussed.     

Polarization mode dispersion induced pulse broadening in optical fibers

A simple and exact analytical expression is derived for the amount of broadening that a pulse suffers when it is subjected to the combined actions of polarization mode dispersion, chromatic dispersion, and chirping. The theory is then applied to various manifestations of second-order polarization mode dispersions.     

Dispersion-managed soliton in optical fibers with zero average dispersion

A dispersion-managed optical system with stepwise periodic variation of dispersion is studied in the framework of a path-averaged Gabitov-Turitsyn equation. The soliton solution is obtained by means of iterating the path-averaged equation. The dependence of soliton parameters on dispersion map strength is investigated, together with the oscillating tails of the soliton.     

Measurement of modal dispersion in optical fiber by means of acousto-optic coupling

We show that frequency-wavelength tuning characteristics of acousto-optic coupling can be used for measuring the difference of effective index, group index, and chromatic dispersion between core and cladding modes in single-mode fibers. Chromatic dispersion measurements of a 30-cm-long conventional single-mode fiber, a nonzero dispersion-shifted fiber, and a dispersion-compensating fiber with this new method are presented for the wavelength range 1500-1600 nm. Qualitative agreement with independently measured data is obtained.     

An optical receiver for eight-level data communication over step index plastic optical fiber

An optical receiver with automatic-gain-control transimpedance amplifier, linear post amplifier and linear line driver suitable for multilevel signals is presented. A large-diameter photodiode (400 μm) with an antireflection coating optimized for red light was integrated. These features enable the presented optical receiver to be a promising plastic optical fiber receiver. An error free (<10⁻⁸) 400 Mbit/s data rate over 50 m PMMA-step index plastic optical fiber (1 mm diameter) is achieved with eight-level pulse amplitude modulation (8-PAM).     

Array of concentric CMOS photodiodes for detection and de-multiplexing of spatially modulated optical channels

A novel octagonal structure of photodiodes using standard CMOS technology has been developed to serve as a de-multiplexer for spatially multiplexed fiber optic communication systems. Concentric photodiodes of six different structure types are investigated for this purpose. The responsivity of the fabricated devices lies within ten percent of the theoretical values at 660 nm. The concept is demonstrated for silicon and the geometry can be extended to other materials commonly used in optical communications. This presents structural details, device model and equivalent circuits for these devices. Test results for detector responsivity, leakage currents and quantum efficiency are also presented.