Enhancing the sensitivity of zero-dispersion wavelength mapping by optical parametric amplifier

Abstract

Light pulse propagates along the fiber at zero-dispersion wavelength (ZDW) can eliminate chromatic dispersion. However ZDW exhibits fluctuation along the light propagating direction in the fiber that significantly affects the fiber nonlinear phenomena and its application. Therefore, accurate ZDW mapping is necessary for tailor-made design of such application. A non-destructive retrieving method was developed by using optical parametric amplifier (OPA) and Gaussian-Newton algorithm. The ZDW fluctuation sensitivity of the OPA gain spectrum plays an important role on the accuracy and resolution of the retrieved ZDW mapping. In this paper, we have investigated and concluded that two-pump OPA shows a significant improvement of the sensitivity to ZDW fluctuation of OPA gain over its one-pump counterpart. It also provides a guideline to configure the separation between the two pumps. © 2006 IEEE.