Optical Nonlinearities in Microstructured Fibers for All-Optical Network Functionalities

在未来的通信网络中，全光功能将变得越来越重要。光纤的最新发展，特别是使用小尺寸纤芯的高度非线性二氧化硅光纤以及新型微结构光纤（MF）的发展，使非线性光纤成为实现上述全光功能的首选。在这个项目中，PI将研究微结构光纤中的几种非线性光学效应，并演示它们在全光网络所需功能中的应用。该提案的独创性和科学价值在于它将微结构光纤中的基本光学现象的研究与网络功能的演示相结合。目前正在开发和研究几种类型的微结构光纤，每种光纤的几何形状都被设计成增强某种非线性光学特性。特别是，PI将专注于受激拉曼散射，这为全光网络的应用提供了几个优势，例如波长转换，超快光学采样和可能的数据再生。拟议中的研究将产生几个更广泛的影响。第一个是扩展现有光学技术的基础知识。第二个方面是将迄今主要用于光通信的技术应用于传感、生物或医疗等其他领域。新的利哈伊光学技术中心也将极大地帮助传播该项目产生的信息和知识，并促进交叉受精。

0401269ToulouseAll-optical functions are expected to become increasingly important in future communication networks. Recent developments in optical fibers, specifically the development of highly nonlinear silica fibers using a small size core as well as the new microstructured fibers (MF), have made the nonlinear optical fiber a top candidate for the realistic implementation of the above mentioned all-optical functionalities. In this project the PI will study several nonlinear optical effects in microstructured fibers and demonstrate their application to the functionalities required by an All-Optical Network. The originality and scientific merit of the proposal is that it combines a study of basic optical phenomena in microstructured fibers with the demonstration of network functionalities. Several types of microstructured fibers are being developed and studied, each geometry being designed to enhance a certain nonlinear optical property. In particular, the PI will focus on stimulated Raman scattering, which offers several advantages for applications in an all-optical network, such as wavelength conversion, ultrafast optical sampling and possibly also data regeneration. The proposed research will have several broader impacts. The first one is the expansion of the knowledge base that underlies existing optical technologies. A second one is the application of technologies that, so far, were primarily used in optical communications, to other areas such as sensing, bio or medical applications. The new Lehigh Center for Optical Technologies will also greatly help with the dissemination of information and knowledge generated by the project and facilitate cross-fertilization.