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University of Michigan

Jaeyoun Kim

Mohammed N Islam

Ozdal Boyraz

George A Nowak

Method and system are disclosed for stable, multi-wavelength continuous wave (CW) generation using fiber-based supercontinuum and spectrum-slicing of its longitudinal modes. The continuum generated is coherent and stable, making it an attractive alternative as a spectrally-sliced source for continuous, multiple wavelength channels. A 140 nm wide supercontinuum with a 10 GHz repetition rate is generated in <30 meters of fiber. To obtain CW channels with 40 GHz spacing, time-domain multiplexing and longitudinal mode slicing are utilized. To obtain stable, continuous wave operation, short-fiber supercontinuum generation and a pulse interleaving method are utilized. The invention may be utilized as a broadband wavelength-division multiplexed source.

Method and system for generating a broadband spectral continuum and continuous wave-generating system utilizing same

A method and system are disclosed for generating a broadband spectral continuum using short spans of constant-dispersion, dispersion-shifted fibers. The continuum generation results from the combined effects of pulse compression and spectral shaping. Pulse compression is achieved through soliton-effect compression in one or more stages of anomalous dispersion fiber, which lengths are determined by the occurrence of the first optimal compression of the corresponding order of soliton. The spectral shape results from 3rd order dispersion effects on the evolution of the pulse shape as it propagates through the final segment(s) of the fiber span. The pulse area of the incident pulse determines the fiber properties required to optimize compression. The sign and magnitudes of the 2nd and 3rd order dispersions in the final span(s) as well as the pulse width at the input to the final span determine the continuum extent, flatness and symmetry. The continuum generated in this manner is coherent and stable, making it an attractive alternative as a spectrally-sliced source for short pulse, multiple wavelength channels.

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Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Jaeyoun Kim