Self-phase-modulation effects in frequency-doubling fibers studied by the heat scan technique

In this work we use a simple and powerful technique (Heat scan) to characterize frequency doubling gratings in fibers. The technique is based on scanning a small heating element along the fiber, thereby affecting the phase relationship of the involved waves in a controlled way. We present recent measurements of the time evolution of the (chi) (2) grating during the preparation process, and discuss aspects of the grating phase.