Low-nonlinearity optical fibers and their applications

Peter D. Dragic, John Ballato, Thomas W. Hawkins

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Power scaling in optical fiber-based systems, such as laser and telecommunications systems, is often limited by optical nonlinearities. This stems from the very same advantages that set optical fibers apart from bulk materials, namely their nature as thin, flexible strands that enable light propagation over long distances. Whether causing intensity or phase noises, changes to a signal spectrum, or reflecting light back toward a system input, there is great interest in suppressing these deleterious effects. In this chapter, low-nonlinearity optical fibers and their applications are discussed within the contexts of Brillouin scattering, Raman scattering, Kerr nonlinearities, and thermo-optic effects. First, materials where the light–matter interactions are weak are reviewed. Next, waveguide approaches to frustrating the nonlinear interactions are surveyed. Finally, a few examples are presented to illustrate the design process where nonlinear power thresholds become important considerations. The continued development of low-nonlinearity fibers is crucial to the continued power scaling of fiber lasers and fiber-based optical systems.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSpecialty Optical Fibers
Subtitle of host publicationMaterials, Fabrication Technology, and Applications
PublisherElsevier
Pages303-344
Number of pages42
ISBN (Electronic)9780443184956
ISBN (Print)9780443184949
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2024

Keywords

  • Brillouin scattering
  • fiber lasers
  • low-nonlinearity fiber
  • Optical fiber
  • optical fiber design
  • optical fiber materials
  • Raman scattering

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering
  • General Materials Science

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