Parametric amplification and wavelength conversion in the 1040–1090 nm band by use of a photonic crystal fiber

Highly efficient parametric amplification and wavelength conversion have been demonstrated in the 1040–1090 nm band. A nonlinear photonic crystal fiber was used to provide the anomalous dispersion required for phase matching at 1 μm. A 40 dB maximum gain and +35 dB idler conversion efficiency have been achieved in the subnanosecond pulsed regime and by using a spectrally filtered supercontinuum source as a small signal.