Novel chromatic dispersion measurement method over continuous Gigahertz tuning range

A method for the measurement of chromatic dispersion in a single-mode optical fiber is proposed and demonstrated. This method adopts the technique of external modulation of the distributed feedback (DFB) laser output and direct optical frequency sweep range monitoring by coherent heterodyne detection. The method is also applicable to the future optical communication system with narrowband optical elements such as optical amplifiers, whereas measurement is impossible given the present state of the art. >