Abstract: A highly nonlinear optical fiber having an improved stimulated Brillouin scattering threshold is provided. The fiber includes a central core region made substantially from silica doped with aluminum, a trench region surrounding the central core region, and a silica cladding surrounding the trench region. The refractive index profile of the fiber is optimized. A refractive index difference of the central core region relative to the cladding (?n+) is less than 26×10?3, and more preferably at or near 21×10?3. A refractive index difference of the trench region relative to the cladding (?n?) is less than ?5×10?3. The trench region is preferably doped with fluorine. The aluminum doping level of the central core region is preferably less than 14 wt % Al. A fiber doped with aluminum having this refractive index profile exhibits a significantly higher figure of merit (Pth?Leff) than conventional germanium-doped fibers.

Abstract: A highly nonlinear optical fiber having an improved stimulated Brillouin scattering threshold is provided. The fiber includes a central core region made substantially from silica doped with aluminum, a trench region surrounding the central core region, and a silica cladding surrounding the trench region. The refractive index profile of the fiber is optimized. A refractive index difference of the central core region relative to the cladding (?n+) is less than 26×10?3, and more preferably at or near 21×10?3. A refractive index difference of the trench region relative to the cladding (?n?) is less than ?5×10?3. The trench region is preferably doped with fluorine. The aluminum doping level of the central core region is preferably less than 14 wt % Al. A fiber doped with aluminum having this refractive index profile exhibits a significantly higher figure of merit (Pth?Leff) than conventional germanium-doped fibers.

Abstract: A stretcher fiber has a core region, inner trench region, ring region, outer trench region, and outer cladding region. The fiber regions are structured to provide the stretcher fiber with a relationship between dispersion and wavelength, such that the second and third derivatives of the stretcher fiber's propagation constant with respect to angular frequency have a shape and wavelength range matching those of a selected compressor module.

Abstract: A stretcher fiber has a core region, inner trench region, ring region, outer trench region, and outer cladding region. The fiber regions are structured to provide the stretcher fiber with a relationship between dispersion and wavelength, such that the second and third derivatives of the stretcher fiber's propagation constant with respect to angular frequency have a shape and wavelength range matching those of a selected compressor module.