Measuring dispersion in single-mode fibers in the 1.1-1.3 µm spectral region - A pulse synchronization technique

We describe a novel technique for measuring dispersion in low-loss single-mode fibers in the1.1-1.3 spectral region. The spatial equivalent of the pulse delay time as a function of wavelength is obtained in the measurement. The technique makes use of the wavelength-dependent pulse synchronization condition in a pulse-pumped neat IR fiber Raman oscillator. Experimental results on three single-mode germanium-doped silica fibers are compared, and the importance of matching the minimum dispersion wavelength with the local loss minimum in fiber design is discussed.