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Fundamental noise limitations to supercontinuum generation in microstructure fiber
K L Corwin1, N R Newbury, J M Dudley
1National Institute of Standards and Technology, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|April 12, 2003
Summary
Broadband noise in microstructure fibers causes significant supercontinuum spectrum amplitude fluctuations. This noise originates from nonlinear amplification of input-pulse shot noise and Raman scattering.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear optics
- Quantum optics
- Fiber optics
Background:
- Supercontinuum generation in microstructure fibers is a key technology for various applications.
- Understanding noise sources is crucial for stable supercontinuum generation.
- Amplitude fluctuations can degrade the performance of supercontinuum-based systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin and characteristics of broadband noise in supercontinuum generation.
- To quantify the impact of noise on spectral amplitude fluctuations.
- To develop a theoretical model for predicting noise behavior.
Main Methods:
- Experimental measurements of supercontinuum spectra.
- Numerical simulations using a generalized stochastic nonlinear Schrödinger equation.
- Analysis of noise contributions from input-pulse shot noise and spontaneous Raman scattering.
Main Results:
- Broadband noise can induce amplitude fluctuations up to 50% in supercontinuum spectra.
- Good quantitative agreement was found between experimental and simulation results.
- Noise arises from nonlinear amplification of quantum noise inputs.
Conclusions:
- Input-pulse shot noise and spontaneous Raman scattering are primary sources of broadband noise.
- The developed model accurately predicts noise-induced amplitude fluctuations.
- Controlling these quantum noise sources is essential for stable supercontinuum generation.