Dispersion compensating fibers

The basic principles for use sf dispersion compensating fibers (DCF) are re viewed, including definition of figure of merit and condition for dispersio n slope compensation. The main design features of a triple-cladding index p rofile design are examined theoretically and experimentally, Production res ults are presented for three types of DCF: It is shown that polarization-mo de dispersion can be reduced by introducing oscillatory twist into the fibe r. The splice loss between DCF and standard fibers is shown to be reducible by use of a special intermediate fiber. Two methods for measuring the nonl inear effective area of DCF are compared and good agreement is found. Measu rement results for the nonlinear refractive index n(2) are reported. The no nlinear coefficient n(2)/A(eff) of DCF is found to be a factor of 5 higher than that on standard single-made fibers. The macrobending resistance of DC F is examined and found to be comparable with that of standard fibers, The microbending resistance of DCF is found to be better than that of standard fibers. Finally, positive results from a cabling experiment with DCF are re ported.