Recent advances in highly nonlinear microstructured optical fibers for telecom applications

We review our recent progress in the design and fabrication of lead silicate glass fibers with high nonlinearity and tailored near-zero dispersion at telecommunication wavelengths. We have explored a range of different fiber structures, including suspended core fibers, holey fibers, all-solid microstructured and conventional W-type profiled fibers. The optical properties of the fabricated fibers are assessed both experimentally and through accurate numerical simulations. The relative merits of each fiber design are discussed and the significant potential of lead silicate highly nonlinear fibers for all-optical signal processing at telecommunication wavelengths is shown through reference to a number of key experimental demonstrators.

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