Patent ID: 6813429
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: G02F,H01S

Abstract:
A source of optical pulses, comprising:an optical source operable to generate ultrashort optical pulses at a first wavelength; and an optical fiber amplifier comprising an optical fiber and a pump source operable to deliver pump radiation to the optical fiber, the optical fiber being a microstructured fiber containing an array of air holes running along the length of the fiber and having a core containing a dopant to provide optical gain at the first wavelength, and anomalous dispersion over a wavelength range including the first wavelength and a second wavelength, and being arranged to receive the ultrashort optical pulses, amplify the ultrashort optical pulses, and alter the wavelength of the ultrashort optical pulses to at least the second wavelength by the soliton-self-frequency shifting effect.