Dispersion-Compensating Graded Index Multiclad Fiber: Optimization for Dispersion-Managed WDM Transmission Systems

Abstract

This work reports the design optimization of a single-mode graded index multiclad dispersion-compensating fiber (DCF) with a central dip, for broadband wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system in the C- and L-bands of an operating wavelength zone. The index profile parameters of this fiber have been adjusted to simultaneously achieve high figure of merit (FOM) as well as considerably high value of effective core areas of the fiber to minimize the nonlinear effects like self-phase modulation or cross-phase modulation. At 1,550 nm operating wavelength, an effective core area (A _eff ) of 46 μm², which is very large compared to other reported values of DCFs, is obtained here. The average dispersion of the DCFs, in combination with conventional single-mode fiber (CSF) and small dispersion fiber (SDF), are found out to be considerably flat in the entire C- and L-band zone of operating wavelength.

Keywords:

• dispersion compensating fibers
• dispersion slope
• effective core area
• figure of merit
• nonlinear phase shift
• WDM transmission system

Acknowledgment

This work is supported by a project sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), government of India, under the grant SR/S2/LOP-02/2004.