Method and device for easily and rapidly measuring nonlinear refractive index of optical fiber

A transmitting section makes light, intensity-modulated by a modulating signal of a sine wave having a designated frequency, be incident on one end side of an optical fiber which is a measurement object. A feature value determining section converts the light, which exits from another end side of the optical fiber, into an electric signal, and finds, from the electric signal, a predetermined feature value of a signal component having a frequency equal to the frequency of the modulating signal. A computing section obtains a nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber to be measured from the predetermined feature value by calculation corresponding to the predetermined feature value based on a nonlinear Schroedinger (Schrödinger) equation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-391847, filed Dec. 25, 2001, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber, and in particular, to a method and device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber which utilize a technique for rapidly measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber with a simple structure.

2. Description of the Related Art

As is well known, an optical fiber is used as a transmission medium for transmitting light signals.

Because the optical fiber has a transmission loss in the same way as other transmission media, the longer the fiber length, the lower the strength of the light signal at the final end, the more the S/N deteriorates, and information cannot be accurately received. Therefore, there is the need to input a light signal having great strength at the inputting side.

However, the refractive index, which is an important factor determining the transmission characteristics of the optical fiber, exhibits dependency on the intensity of the light. The stronger the intensity of the light passing through, the more the refractive index increases.

This is called non-linearity of the refractive index of the optical fiber. The ratio of increase in the refractive index is called a nonlinear refractive index.

If light signal having great intensity is inputted to an optical fiber having a nonlinear refractive index, waveform distortion occurs in the light signal due to the nonlinear effect of refractive index. Adverse effects from the adjacent channel arise, and communication cannot be accurately carried out.

Accordingly, for example, when a communication system in which an optical fiber is the transmission medium is structured, there is the need to measure the nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber in advance.

As a conventional method of measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber, there are a method utilizing the self phase modulation effect of short pulse light, and a method utilizing the four-wave mixing effect by using two light sources.

The former method is a method in which short pulse light, whose strength is variable and which has a specific waveform, is incident on the optical fiber to be measured. The spectrum of the exiting light of the optical fiber is observed, and the inputting strength of the short pulse light is adjusted such that the number of peaks of the spectrum becomes a predetermined number. The peak power is determined by observing the time waveform of the short pulse light at this time. The nonlinear refractive index is determined on the basis of the peak power and the number of peaks of the spectrum.

Further, the latter method is a method in which two continuous lights having different frequencies (wavelengths) are merged and inputted to one end side of the optical fiber. The spectrum of exiting light of the optical fiber is observed. The ratio of the power of the two continuous lights and the power of two frequencies arising due to the four-wave mixing effect thereof is measured. The nonlinear refractive index is determined on the basis of the strength of inputted light and the power ratio.

However, there is the problems that, in the former measuring method, the measurement error becomes large by being affected by the frequency chirp (the change in frequency at the rise or fall of the pulse) or by the chromatic dispersion of the optical fiber, and in the latter measuring method as well, the measurement error becomes large by being affected by the chromatic dispersion of the optical fiber.

As a technique for solving this problem, for example, in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 8-285728, as shown inFIG. 18, a measuring method is proposed in which a nonlinear refractive index, in which the calculated result and the measured result sufficiently and precisely coincide, is determined by repeating, while changing a temporary value, a processing in which pulse light is incident on an optical fiber1which is a measuring object from a pulse light source10, this incident light and the time waveform and frequency chirp characteristic of the exiting light of the optical fiber1are respectively measured by a time waveform measuring section11and a frequency chirp measuring section12, the time waveform and the frequency chirp characteristic of the incident light are calculated in a calculating section13by numerical calculation of split-step Fourier method based on a nonlinear Schroedinger (Schrödinger) equation by using the time waveform obtained by measuring the incident light, the frequency chirp characteristic, known data of the optical fiber, and a temporary value of the nonlinear refractive index, and the calculated result and the actual measured result of the exiting light are compared.

However, in the above-described method disclosed in Jpn. Pat Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 8-285728, there is the need to precisely measure the time waveform, the frequency response characteristic chirp, and the power of the pulse light used as the measuring light. Therefore, there is the problem that an extremely high-speed light receiving device and a measuring circuit are necessary, and the device becomes expensive and large scale.

Further, in the above-described method disclosed in the Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 8-285728, in the numerical calculation by the nonlinear Schroedinger equation for the pulse light, the calculating amount is great. Thus, there is the problem that the measured result cannot be rapidly obtained.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a method of measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber which solves the above-described problems and can rapidly obtain a measured result with a simple structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber which solves the above-described problems and can rapidly obtain a measured result with a simple structure.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber comprising:

inputting light intensity-modulated by a modulation signal of a sine wave having a designated frequency to one end side of an optical fiber which is a measurement object;

converting the light which is incident on the one end side of the optical fiber which is the measurement object and exits from the other end side of the optical fiber which is the measurement object into an electric signal, and finding, from the electric signal, a predetermined feature value of a signal component having a frequency equal to the frequency of the modulation signal; and

obtaining a nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber which is the measurement object from the predetermined feature value by calculation based on a nonlinear Schroedinger equation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the first aspect, wherein

the finding includes measuring a frequency response characteristic of the signal component as the predetermined feature value.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the first aspect, wherein

the finding includes measuring, as the predetermined feature value, an amplitude value of the signal component at a predetermined frequency or a frequency at which the amplitude value of the signal component becomes a local minimum.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the second aspect, wherein

the obtaining includes:

determining coincidence of the predetermined feature value and a feature value, in calculation corresponding to the predetermined feature value, which is obtained by successively changing a temporary value of the nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber which is the measurement object and by giving it to a nonlinear Schroedinger equation.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the third aspect, wherein

the obtaining includes:

first computing the predetermined feature value of the signal component on the basis of the nonlinear Schroedinger equation for values of several nonlinear refractive indices;

preparing a table showing the relationship between the several nonlinear refractive indices and the predetermined feature value of the signal component by the computing; and

second computing the nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber which is the measurement object by interpolating or extrapolating a value of the table by the preparing by using the predetermined feature value of the signal component by the finding.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the third aspect, wherein

the preparing prepares the relationships between the several nonlinear refractive indices and the predetermined value of the signal component into tables with respect to several chromatic dispersion values of optical fibers, and

is capable of corresponding to optical fibers having various chromatic dispersion values by computing the nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber which is the measurement object by interpolating or extrapolating tables by the chromatic dispersion value of the optical fiber which is the measurement object.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the third aspect, further comprising:

between the inputting and the converting, controlling chromatic dispersion to become a chromatic dispersion value appropriate for the finding the predetermined feature value for the light which is incident on the one end side of the optical fiber which is the measurement object and exits from the other end side of the optical fiber which is the measurement object.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the first aspect, wherein

the inputting includes applying phase modulation to the light which is to be incident on the one end side of the optical fiber which is the measurement object, before or after intensity modulation by the modulation signal of the sine wave.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the seventh aspect, wherein

the inputting includes applying phase modulation to the light which is to be incident on the one end side of the optical fiber which is the measurement object, before or after intensity modulation by the modulation signal of the sine wave.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the first aspect, wherein

the obtaining includes performing small signal approximation with respect to the modulation signal of the sine wave.

In order to achieve the another object, according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber comprising:

a light transmitting section which makes light, intensity-modulated by a modulating signal of a sine wave having a designated frequency, incident on one end side of an optical fiber which is a measurement object;

a feature value determining section which converts the light, which is incident on one end side of the optical fiber which is the measurement object and exits from another end side of the optical fiber which is the measurement object, into an electric signal, and finds, from the electric signal, a predetermined feature value of a signal component having a frequency equal to the frequency of the modulation signal; and

a computing section which obtains a nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber which is the measurement object from the predetermined feature value by calculation based on a nonlinear Schroedinger equation.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the eleventh aspect, wherein

the feature value determining section includes a frequency response characteristic measuring section which measures a frequency response characteristic of the signal component as the predetermined feature value.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the eleventh aspect, wherein

the feature value determining section includes a frequency response characteristic measuring section which measures, as the predetermined feature value, an amplitude value of the signal component at a predetermined frequency or a frequency at which the amplitude value of the signal component becomes a local minimum.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the computing section

determines coincidence of the predetermined feature value found by the feature value determining section and a feature value, in calculation corresponding to the predetermined feature value, which is obtained by successively changing a temporary value of the nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber which is the measurement object and by giving it to a nonlinear Schroedinger equation.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the computing section

first computes the predetermined feature value of the signal component on the basis of the nonlinear Schroedinger equation for values of several nonlinear refractive indices,

prepares a table showing the relationship between the computed several nonlinear refractive indices and the predetermined feature value of the signal component, and

second computes the nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber which is the measurement object by interpolating or extrapolating the value of the table by using the predetermined feature value of the signal component measured by the feature value determining section.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the table

is prepared for the relationships between the several nonlinear refractive indices and the predetermined value of the signal component with respect to several chromatic dispersion values of optical fibers, and

is capable of corresponding to optical fibers having various chromatic dispersion values by computing the nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber which is the measurement object by interpolating or extrapolating tables by the chromatic dispersion value of the optical fiber which is the measurement object.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the thirteenth aspect, further comprising:

a dispersion controlling section which controls chromatic dispersion to become chromatic dispersion value appropriate for the predetermined feature value for the light exiting from the other end side of the optical fiber which is the measurement object.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the light transmitting section includes a phase modulating section which applies phase modulation to the light which is to be incident on the one end side of the optical fiber which is the measurement object, before or after intensity modulation by the modulation signal of the sine wave.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the seventeenth aspect, wherein

the light transmitting section includes a phase modulating section which applies phase modulation to the light which is to be incident on the one end side of the optical fiber which is the measurement object, before or after intensity modulation by the modulation signal of the sine wave.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the eleventh aspect, wherein

the computing section performs small signal approximation with respect to the modulating signal of the sine wave.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts.

FIG. 1is a block diagram showing a structure of a device20A for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 1, a sine-wave generator21is a frequency-variable sine-wave generator, and outputs, as a modulation signal M, a sine wave having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined amplitude corresponding to a designation from an operating section (not shown) or a feature value determining section32.

A light transmitting section22is structured such that intensity modulation can be carried out at a predetermined wavelength by the modulation signal which is the sine wave signal from the sine-wave generator21, and light whose overall intensity (average power) can be varied is outputted.

Concretely, the light transmitting section22is structured from a light source23such as laser diode for outputting continuous light having a predetermined wavelength, an intensity modulator24for intensity-modulating outputted light from the light source23at a modulation factor m by the modulation signal M outputted from the sine-wave generator21, and a power variable section25for varying the power (average power) of the light outputted from the intensity modulator24.

Note that the power variable section25of the light transmitting section22may be, for example, any of a structure in which the power of light amplified by an optical amplifier25ais attenuated by a variable optical attenuator25bas shown inFIG. 2, or a structure in which the power of excitation light determining the amplification degree of the light amplifier25ais varied by excitation light power variable means25cas shown inFIG. 3, or a structure in which the DC power of the light source23is varied by the a variable DC current source25d.

Further, the light transmitting section22may carry out intensity modulation by directly giving the modulation signal M to the light source23, or can combine the direct modulation with the power variable means ofFIG. 2or FIG.4.

The light outputted from the light transmitting section22is incident on one end side of an optical fiber1which is a measuring object via an unillustrated connector or the like.

Note that the power of the light incident on the optical fiber1must be known already in order to use it for computation described later. In advance, the power outputted from the light transmitting section22is calibrated, or is always monitored by an optical power meter27via an optical coupler26as shown inFIG. 5(the loss of the optical coupler26as well is considered).

Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 6, the power outputted from the light transmitting section22may be measured by the optical power meter27via a light switch28.

Further, the modulation factor m, determined by the amplitude of the sine wave outputted from the sine-wave generator21and the modulation characteristic of the intensity modulator24, is already known in this example.

However, as described later, the modulation factor m and the measured result may be unrelated depending on the conditions, and the modulation factor m does not have to be already known.

The light outputted from the other end side of the optical fiber1is incident on a photoelectric transducer30via an unillustrated connector or the like.

The photoelectric transducer30is formed from a photodiode or the like corresponding to the wavelength of the light outputted from the light transmitting section22, and outputs to a detector31electric signal whose voltage changes in proportion to the power of the incident light.

The detector31has a frequency selective function of changing the selected frequency interlockingly with the frequency of the modulation signal M outputted from the sine wave generator21, and extracts only the frequency component equal to the frequency of the modulation signal M from the signal outputted from the photoelectric transducer30, and detects the amplitude of this extracted signal and outputs it as a detected signal M′.

If the frequency response characteristic is used as a feature value, the frequency response characteristic measuring section32serving as a feature value determining section sweeps the frequency of the modulation signal M outputted from the sine wave generator21while receiving the output of the detector31, and measures the amplitude value of the extracted signal for each frequency, namely, the frequency response characteristic of the detected signal M′.

Note that, here, a case in which the frequency response characteristic measuring section32serving as the feature value determining section controls the frequency of the modulation signal M outputted from the sine-wave generator21will be described. However, this frequency controlling function may be provided in the sine wave generator21itself, and the frequency response characteristic measuring section32serving as the feature value determining section receives the frequency information outputted from the sine wave generator21, so that the frequency response characteristic of the detected signal M′ can be determined.

Further, in the following description, a case will be described in which the frequency response characteristic measuring section32determines, as a feature value of the frequency response characteristic, the frequency at the local minimum point at which the amplitude value of the detected signal M′ becomes a local minimum as a predetermined feature value. However, it may be that a characteristic of the overall change in the amplitude value is determined as the frequency response characteristic of the detected signal M′ in a frequency variable range of the modulation signal M, or an amplitude value of one frequency or more other than the local minimum point is determined as a predetermined feature value on the frequency response characteristic.

Further, the above-described sine wave generator21, detector31, and frequency response characteristic measuring section32serving as the feature value determining section can be substituted by a network analyzer integrally having these functions.

In this way, if the frequency response characteristic of the detected signal M′ is measured in a state in which light incident on the optical fiber1having enough power to be measured, for example, as shown inFIG. 7, the local minimum point, at which the amplitude value of the detected signal M′ greatly decreases and becomes a local minimum, appears at frequencies fd1, fd2, fd3, . . . (depending on the range of the modulating frequency, there are cases in which there is are plural local minimum points).

Such a frequency response characteristic having local minimum points changes due to the influence of a chromatic dispersion value and a nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber1to be measured, and of the power and the frequency chirp of the incident light.

Accordingly, assuming that the chromatic dispersion value of the optical fiber1to be measured, and the power and the frequency chirp of the incident light are already known, and the frequency response characteristic (the above predetermined feature value) of the detected signal M′, with respect to an arbitrary nonlinear refractive index, can be determined by calculation. When a frequency response characteristic (the above predetermined feature value) obtained by the calculation and a frequency response characteristic (the above predetermined feature value) obtained by actual measurement are coincide, it can be considered that the nonlinear refractive index used in the calculation is equal to the nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber1to be measured.

A computing section33calculates the frequency response characteristic (the above predetermined feature value) of the detected signal M′ on the basis of the nonlinear Schroedinger equation by using already-known parameters set from a parameter setting section34and an initial value of a temporary value of the nonlinear refractive index, and determines whether or not the frequency response characteristic (the above predetermined feature value) determined in the calculation and the frequency response characteristic (the above predetermined feature value) obtained by an actual measurement coincide in a predetermined range. When they do not coincide, an operation, in which the frequency response characteristic (the above predetermined feature value) is calculated by changing the temporary value of the nonlinear refractive index and determination is carried out again, is repeated. The temporary value of the nonlinear refractive index when the frequency response characteristic (the above predetermined feature value) obtained by the calculation and the frequency response characteristic (the above predetermined feature value) obtained by actual measurement coincide is determined to be the nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber1to be measured, and is outputted to an outputting section35structured by a display device or the like.

Here, as described above, the predetermined feature value on the frequency response characteristic of the detected signal M′ is the frequency at the local minimum point.

Next, computing processing which the computing section33carries out will be described.

Firstly, the solution of the nonlinear Schroedinger equation by a split-step Fourier method will be described.

The nonlinear Schroedinger equation is an equation for determining changes in a waveform when a signal such as light or the like propagates through a nonlinear transmitting medium, and is expressed by following equation (1) if the higher order chromatic dispersion terms are omitted.
∂A/∂z=j(β2/2)(∂2A/∂t2)+α1A−jγ|A|2A(1)

In this equation (1), A is the amplitude of an electric field of the light (amplitude of the envelope), β2is a constant expressing the chromatic dispersion, α1is a constant expressing loss or gain, and γ is a constant expressing the non-linearity.

Here, the above equation (1) can be formally expressed as the following equation (2).
∂A/∂z=(D˜+N˜)A(2)

D˜is a linear operator expressing dispersion and loss (or gain), and N˜is a nonlinear operator expressing the non-linearity, and they can be respectively shown by the following equations (3a) and (3b).
D˜=j(β2/2)(∂2A/∂t2)+α1(3a)
N˜=−jγ|A|2(3b)

As a method of numerically solving above equation (2), there is the split-step Fourier method. By using this, the amplitude A of the light at the time of propagating a short length h (a length of a degree such that the approximation error in the following equation can be ignored) can be expressed by the following formula (4).
A(z+h,t)≈exp{(h/2)D˜}exp{∫z˜z+hN˜(z′)dz′}·exp{(h/2)D˜}A(z, t)  (4)

The symbol ∫z˜z+hexpresses the integral until z′=z˜z+h.

By carrying out repeatedly the computation of this equation (4) for the determined length, the amplitude of the electric field of the light propagating the length can be determined.

Here, computation of the chromatic dispersion and loss is carried out by converting to a frequency domain as by the following equation (5).
exp{(h/2)D˜}=F−1exp{(h/2)D˜(jω)}F(5)

Here, F is an operator expressing a Fourier transformation, and F−1is an operator expressing an inverse Fourier transformation, and these can be calculated by using fast Fourier transformation (FFT).

Further, D˜(jω) means that the partial differential operator of the equation (3) is replaced with jω, and can be calculated by multiplication in the frequency domain.

Note that it is known that the nonlinear coefficient γ and the nonlinear refractive index n2are related by following equation (6).
γ=n2ωo/(cAeff)  (6)

Here, ωo is the angular frequency of the light, c is the light speed, and Aeff is the effective core area of the optical fiber. Because these parameters are already known at the time of measuring and are constants, there is a one-to-one relationship between the nonlinear coefficient γ and the nonlinear refractive index n2, and determining the nonlinear refractive index n2has the same meaning as determining the nonlinear coefficient γ.

In the aforementioned conventional method, the computation of the above equation (4) is carried out for the pulse light, and the nonlinear refractive index, which makes the time waveform obtained by the calculation and the time waveform obtained by actual measurement coincide, is determined. However, the split-step Fourier method can be applied to a light signal whose intensity is modulated by a sine wave as in this embodiment.

Intensity I of the light, which is intensity-modulated by the modulation signal M having the frequency f and the modulation factor m, is expressed by the following equation (7) when the average power (intensity of non-modulating) is supposed as Io.
I=Io[1+mcos(2πft)]  (7)

Given that the chirp parameter of the intensity modulator24is α, the relationship between a phase φ and the intensity I of the light is expressed by the following equation (8).
dφ/dt=(α/2I)dI/dt(8)

Further, the amplitude A of the electric field of the incident light is as per the following equation (9).
A=I1/2ejφ(I)(9)

There are many cases in which the chirp of the intensity modulator24depends on the intensity I of the modulated light, and when the modulation factor is great, there are cases in which the chirp cannot be considered to be a constant value.

Thus, if the chirp is expressed as α(I) as a function of the intensity I, the phase φ of the light is as per the following equation (10) from the aforementioned equation (8).
φ(I)=∫{α(I)/2I}(dI/dt)dt(10)

When the equation (7) and the equation (10) are substituted into the equation (9), the amplitude A(0) of the electric field at the fiber incident end (z=0) can be calculated.

Next, calculation of the propagation in the fiber is carried out by the split-step Fourier method.

There are various types of concrete calculating methods of the above equation (4). For example, if it is approximated as:
∫z˜z+hN˜(z′)dz′≈hN˜(z+h/2)
the following equations are obtained.
A(z+h/2)≈F−1exp{(h/2)[−j(β2ω2/2)+α1]}FA(z)  (11a)
A′(z+h/2)≈exp{−jhγ|A(z+h/2)|2}A(z+h/2)  (11b)
A(z+h)≈F−1exp{(h/2)[−j(β2ω2/2)+α1]}FA′(z+h/2)  (11c)

By using above A(0) as an initial value and repeating above equations (11a), (11b) and (11c), an electric field A(L) of the light at the fiber exiting end (z=L) can be determined.

Because a normal photodiode has a square-law detecting characteristic, a component Ifof the frequency f of the electric signal after photoelectric transferring can be determined by the following equation.
If=|(1/T)∫0˜T|A(L)|2e−j2πftdt|(12)

Here, the symbol ∫0˜Texpresses the integral of t=0˜T, and T is one cycle (1/f) of the sine wave of modulation.

The calculation of the split-step Fourier method may be carried out with respect to one cycle of the sine wave.

In this case, because the cycle of the sine wave can be made to be shorter than the cycle of the pulse wave, there is the advantage that the calculating amount can be small.

Further, if small signal approximation is used instead of the split-step Fourier method, the calculating amount can be made even smaller.

Hereinafter, a computing processing using small signal approximation will be described.

If the amplitude A of the electric field of the incident light is expressed by a Fourier series, it is as per the following equation (13).
A=Σp=−1˜1Apej2πpft(13)

Here, the symbol Σp=−1˜1expresses the sum of p=−1, 0, 1, and p=0 corresponds to the carrier component of the incident light, and p=±1 corresponds to the modulation component of the incident light.

Here, assuming that the modulating factor m is sufficiently small as compared with 1, the respective Fourier coefficients Apof the amplitude of the electric field of the light incident on the optical fiber1are, by the equations (7), (8), (9) and (13) respectively shown by following equations (14a), (14b) and (14c).
A−1=(Io)1/2m(1+jα)/4  (14a)
A0=(Io)1/2(14b)
A1=(Io)1/2m(1+jα)/4  (14c)

In the above-described respective equations (14a), (14b) and (14c), To is the power of the light incident on the optical fiber1, m is the modulation factor, and α is the chirp parameter. If these are already known, the respective Fourier coefficients Apat p=−1, 0, 1 are already known.

Next, the incident light of the equation (13) is substituted into the Schroedinger equation of the equation (1), and the calculation of propagation in the optical fiber is carried out.

Firstly, the dispersion term of the equation (1) is as per the following equation (15).
j(β2/2)(∂2A/∂t2)=−j(β2/2)Σp=−1˜1(2πpf)2Apej2πpft(15)

Further, the nonlinear term is obtained by expanding the following equation (16):

wherein, A* is a complex conjugate of A.

Here, assuming that the modulation factor m is sufficiently small with respect to 1, |A1| and |A−1| are sufficiently small with respect to |A0|, and an absolute value of a term obtained by multiplying two or more of A1or A−1is sufficiently small as compared with the absolute value of a term in which there is one or fewer A1or A−1. The term obtained by expanding the equation (16) can be approximated by ignoring the small term.

Such small signal approximation is carried out, so that the nonlinear term can be approximated as per the following equation (17).
−jγ|A|2A≈−jγ{|A0|2A0+(2|A0|2A1+A02A−1*)ej2πft+(2|A0|2A−1+A02A1*)e−j2πft}  (17)

Therefore, if the chromatic dispersion term of the equation (15) and the nonlinear term of the equation (17) are substituted into the nonlinear Schroedinger equation of the equation (1), it is the following equation (18).

The respective coefficients Bpof the above equation (18) are
B0=|A0|2A0,
B1=2|A0|2A1+A02A−1*,
B−1=2|A0|2A−1+A02A1*

If the above equation (18) is expressed at each Fourier coefficient, it is as per the following equation (19).
∂Ap/∂z=−j(β2/2)(2πpf)2Ap+α1Ap−jγBp|p=−1˜1(19)

Note that the result of the equation (20b) can be obtained by substituting in the result of the equation (20a), and the result of the equation (20c) can be obtained by substituting in the result of the equation (20b).

Accordingly, the respective values of the aforementioned equations (14a), (14b) and (14c) for the value of p are considered as initial values at z=0, and by repeatedly calculating the above-equations (20a), (20b) and (20c) for the length L of the optical fiber1, the amplitude Ap(L) after propagation through the optical fiber1can be determined.

Further, as mentioned above, because the photoelectric transducer30using photodiodes or the like has a square-law detecting characteristic outputting voltage in proportion to the intensity of the inputted light, the signal component (detected signal M′) Ifof the frequency f equal to the modulation signal M, among the electric signals outputted from the photoelectric transducer30, can be determined by the following equation (21).
If≈Σ|p+q|=1Ap(L)·Aq(L)*  (21)

The symbol Σ|p+q|=1expresses the sum of a combination of p and q satisfying |p+q|=1 for p and q of −1, 0, 1.

In this way, if small signal approximation is carried out, it suffices to carry out calculation with respect to the three items of data of p=−1, 0, 1 for Ap. Therefore, as compared with a conventional split-step Fourier method, the calculating amount becomes smaller.

The computing section33of the present embodiment is for determining, on the basis of the above-described principles, the nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber1to be measured.

Hereinafter, the processing procedures will be describe with reference to the flowchart of FIG.8.

First, as shown inFIG. 8, the frequency response characteristic (the frequency of the local minimum point as the above predetermined feature value) of the detected signal M′ is measured by the frequency response characteristic measuring section32(step S1).

Next, the already-known parameters such as the power Io of the incident light, the modulation factor m, the chirp parameter α, constants α1, β2, and the like, and a temporary value nxof the nonlinear refractive index are set (steps S2and S3).

Next, on the basis of these set parameters, the frequency response characteristic (the above predetermined feature value) of the detected signal M′ is calculated by the split-step Fourier method or the above-described small signal approximation (step S4).

Next, it is judged whether or not the frequency response characteristic (the above predetermined feature value) determined by this calculation and the frequency response characteristic (the above predetermined feature value) actually measured at the frequency response characteristic measuring section32coincide within a predetermined tolerance range (step S5).

Here, when they do not coincide, the temporary value nxis changed and the calculation is carried out again, and the operation in which the coincidence is judged is repeated for each calculation (step S6).

Next, it is determined that the temporary value nxwhen they coincide is the nonlinear refractive index n2of the optical fiber1, and this is outputted to the outputting section35(step S7).

To explain more concretely, the frequencies of the local minimum points which are the predetermined feature values on the frequency response characteristic of the detected signal M′ are compared, and the temporary value nxof the nonlinear refractive index is changed such that the difference of the frequencies is within a predetermined range. The temporary value nxwhen the difference of the frequencies is within the predetermined range is determined to be the nonlinear refractive index n2of the optical fiber1to be measured, and it is outputted to the outputting section35having a display portion (not shown) or the like.

Note that, in the above-described processing, the unknown number is only the nonlinear refractive index, and the chirp parameter and the chromatic dispersion value are already known. Therefore, if there is, as the number of points of measurement, data of at least one point (which does not have to be the frequency of the local minimum point) as the predetermined feature value of the frequency response characteristic obtained at a given power, the nonlinear refractive index can be determined.

Further, with respect to a plurality of data obtained by changing the measuring conditions (for example, the power of the incident light), similar processings are carried out. If a nonlinear refractive index in which a plurality of calculating values coincide the most is determined, the measuring accuracy can be further improved by effect of averaging.

Note that the number of points measurement will be described later.

Further, in the Schroedinger equation of the aforementioned equation (1), the higher-order dispersion term is omitted. However, for example, calculation may be carried out including a third-order chromatic dispersion term, and in accordance therewith, the accuracy is further improved.

As described above, the device20A for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the present embodiment uses, as measuring light, light which is obtained by intensity-modulating the continuous light outputted from one light source23by the modulation signal M of a sine wave. Thus, even if the time waveform is not observed, the power of the measuring light can be accurately calibrated, or the power of the measuring light can be easily and precisely measured by a general power meter, and highly-precise measuring can be carried out.

In the device20A for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the present embodiment, the nonlinear refractive index is determined by using, as the object of comparison, a predetermined feature value on the frequency response characteristic formed from frequency and amplitude values which can be precisely measured among physical values. Therefore, as compared with a conventional method in which the time waveform of pulse light is used as thee object of comparison, high accuracy can be obtained.

Further, in the device20A for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the present embodiment, when only the frequency of the local minimum point as a predetermined feature value on the frequency response characteristic is the measuring object and the object of comparison, there is no need to accurately know the value of the detection signal. Therefore, even more highly-accurate measurement can be carried out without being affected by, for example, variation of the characteristics for the modulating frequencies of the photoelectric transducer30and the detector31.

Moreover, in the device20A for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the present embodiment, by carrying out small signal approximation by utilizing the fact that the modulation factor m is sufficiently small with respect to 1, the computation amount can be made even more small, and the nonlinear refractive index can be computed rapidly.

In the device20A for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the present embodiment, by using only the frequency of the local minimum point as the predetermined feature value on the frequency response characteristic and by making the modulation factor m small with respect to 1 and carrying out small signal modulation, in addition to the above-described advantage, it is completely unrelated to the value of the modulation factor m. Therefore, it is not influenced by the frequency response characteristics of the sine wave generator21and the intensity modulator24, there is no need to know the value of the modulation factor m, and simple and highly-accurate measurement is possible.

Note that, in the above description, small signal approximation is carried out under the assumption that the modulation factor m is sufficiently small with respect to 1. However, the modulation factor at the time of carrying out actual measurement is a given finite value.

Next, example of the relationship between the modulation factor m and the error of the nonlinear refractive index obtained by small signal approximation will be described.

First, in the measurement conditions shown in following Table 1, the frequency of the local minimum point in a case of carrying out propagation simulation without carrying out small signal approximation is computed.

When the frequency of the local minimum point is computed, the effects ofFIG. 9are obtained by making the intensity modulation the ideal sine wave intensity modulation expressed by the above equation (7), by computing the nonlinear refractive index by using the equation of small signal approximation from the computed frequency of the local minimum point, and by determining the error with respect to the true value of the nonlinear refractive index of Table 1 by varying the modulation factor m.

Namely, as is clear fromFIG. 9, the smaller the modulation factor m, the smaller the error.

Accordingly, it suffices to determine the modulation factor m in accordance with the error allowed in the measurement. For example, in order to make the error 2% or less, it suffices to set the modulation factor m to be 0.2 or less. This modulation factor m=0.2 is a value which can sufficiently be realized.

In the above-described device20A for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber, when the frequency chirp and the chromatic dispersion of the intensity modulator24are already known. Even when the frequency chirp and the chromatic dispersion are unknown, the nonlinear refractive index, the frequency chirp, and the chromatic dispersion can be determined by the same structure as the above-described device20for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber.

In this case, as shown in the flowchart ofFIG. 10, the computing section33, while varying not only the temporary value nxof the nonlinear refractive index but also the temporary value αxof the chirp parameter and the temporary value βxof the chromatic dispersion, compares the calculated result and the measured result, and can determine the respective temporary values when the both results coincide in the predetermined range as the nonlinear refractive index, the chirp parameter, and the chromatic dispersion.

Hereinafter, the processing procedures will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.10.

First, as shown inFIG. 10, the frequency response characteristic (frequency of the local minimum point) of the detection signal M is measured by the frequency response characteristic measuring section32(step S11).

Next, the already-known parameters such as the power Io of the incident light, the modulation factor m, constants α1, and the like, and a temporary value nxof the nonlinear refractive index, a temporary value αxof the chirp parameter, and a temporary value βxof the chromatic dispersion are set (steps S12and S13).

On the basis of these set parameters, the frequency response characteristic (the above predetermined feature value) of the detected signal M′ is determined by calculation by the split-step Fourier method or the above-described small signal approximation (step S14).

Then, it is judged whether or not the frequency response characteristic (the above predetermined feature value) determined by this calculation and the frequency response characteristic (the above predetermined feature value) actually measured at the frequency response characteristic measuring section32coincide within a predetermined tolerance range (step S15).

Here, when they do not coincide, the respective temporary values nx, αx, and βxare changed and the calculation is carried out again, and the operation in which the coincidence is judged is repeated for each calculation (step S16).

Next, it is determined that the temporary value nxwhen they coincide is the nonlinear refractive index n2of the optical fiber1, and this is outputted to the outputting section35(step S17).

In this way, when a plurality of parameters are varied, there is a method in which one of the parameters is varied and the difference of the comparison data is made be the least. Thereafter, the next one parameter is varied and the difference of the comparison data is made be the least, and lastly, the remaining parameter is varied.

Further, there is a method in which two parameters are varied and the difference of the comparison data is made be the least, and thereafter, the remaining one is varied, or a method in which all the three parameters are varied and the difference of the comparison data is made be the least.

Note that, in this way, when there are three unknown parameters, it suffices that there are at least three measurement data. In the same way as described above, it may be that the measuring conditions are further changed and much more measurement data are obtained, and the respective parameters are precisely determined.

Further, although unillustrated, when either one of the chirp parameter and the chromatic dispersion is unknown, the nonlinear refractive index and the one parameter can be determined by using at least two measurement data.

In the aforementioned computing section33, the frequency of the local minimum point determined by calculation and the frequency of the local minimum point obtained by actual measurement are compared, and the temporary value of the nonlinear refractive index is changed such that the difference becomes small. However, as in the flowchart shown inFIG. 11, calculations of the nonlinear propagation with respect to the frequency of the measured local minimum point, namely, calculations of the aforementioned equations (14), (20) and (21), may be carried out, and the temporary value of the nonlinear refractive index may be changed such that the amplitude value of the detected signal M′ obtained by the calculation becomes a minimum.

Hereinafter, the processing procedures will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.11.

First, as shown inFIG. 11, the frequency response characteristic (frequency of the local minimum point as the above predetermined feature value) of the detected signal M′ is measured by the frequency response characteristic measuring section32(step S21).

Next, the already-known parameters such as the power Io of the incident light, the modulating frequency f of the measured local minimum point, the modulation factor m, the chirp parameter α, constants α1, β2, and the like, and a temporary value nxof the nonlinear refractive index are set (steps S22and S23).

Next, on the basis of these set parameters, the amplitude value of the detected signal M′ is calculated by using the frequency f obtained by the measurement (step S24).

In this case, more concretely, the calculation of nonlinear propagation with respect to the frequency of the local minimum point as the predetermined feature value on the frequency response characteristic obtained by measuring, and the amplitude value of the detected signal M′ are determined by calculation by the split-step Fourier method or the above-described small signal approximation.

Next, it is judged whether or not the amplitude value determined by this calculation is a local minimum within a predetermined tolerance range (step S25).

Here, when it is not a minimum, the temporary value nxis changed and the calculation is carried out again, and the operation in which the minimum is judged is repeated for each calculation (step S26).

Next, it is determined that the temporary value nxwhen it is judged to be a minimum is the nonlinear refractive index n2of the optical fiber1to be measured, and this is outputted to the outputting section35(step S27).

Further, as a simple calculating method when the chirp parameter and the dispersion are unknown, the method in accordance with flowchart shown inFIG. 12can be executed.

Hereinafter, the processing procedures will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.12.

First, as shown inFIG. 12, the frequency of the local minimum point is measured at different powers, for example, the three different powers of P1, P2and P3(step S31).

Next, as shown inFIG. 13, for example, the relationships of the powers and the local minimum frequencies f1u, f2uand f3u(called resonance frequencies) of the respective u-th local minimum points obtained by measuring with respect to the three different powers P1, P2and P3are approximated by a straight line G by using the method of least squares or the like (step S32).

Then, the straight line G is extended to the frequency axis, and an imaginary resonance frequency f0uat optical power0is determined with respect to at least two u's, and the slope Δu of the resonance frequency with respect to the optical power is determined for at least one u (step S33).

Further, the chirp parameter α and the chromatic dispersion D are calculated on the basis of the following equation (22) expressing the relationship between the two or more resonance frequencies f0uat the optical power0, the chromatic dispersion, and the chirp parameter without nonlinear effect (step S34).

Note that, assuming that the light wavelength is λ, the light speed is c, and the dispersion constant is β2, the chromatic dispersion D is expressed by −2πcβ2/λ2.
f0u2L=[c/(2Dλ2)][1+2u−(2/π)tan−1α]  (22)

The chirp parameter α and the chromatic dispersion D obtained by the above calculation are used, and an already-known parameter is set (step S35). Further, the temporary value nxof the nonlinear refractive index is set (step S36). The frequency response characteristic with respect to at least one power (for example, P4) is calculated, and as shown inFIG. 13, the slope Δu′ of the straight line G′ connecting the u-th local minimum point frequency f4uand the aforementioned f0uis calculated with respect to at least one u (step S37).

Note that a plurality of powers (for example, P1, P2, P3) may be calculated, and the slope Δu′ may be determined by straight line approximation.

The temporary value nxof the nonlinear refractive index is changed in the direction in which the slope Δu′ calculated in this way and the slope Δu obtained by measurement coincide with respect to the each u, and the nonlinear refractive index is determined (steps S38, S39and S40).

In this case, it suffices for there to be at least one calculated frequency of a local minimum point, and the only changing parameter is the temporary value of the nonlinear refractive index. Therefore, the calculating amount can be made even smaller.

Note that, in this way, the calculating amount is little and the errors are great in the nonlinear refractive index obtained by straight-line-approximating the relationship between the light power and the resonance frequency. Therefore, the nonlinear refractive index obtained by the method ofFIG. 12may be used as the initial value of the temporary value of the nonlinear refractive index, and the computing processing in accordance with the flowcharts shown in FIG.10andFIG. 11can be carried out.

In this case, because the initial value of the temporary value is close to the actual nonlinear refractive index, the number of repetitions of the computing processing in accordance with the flowcharts shown in FIG.10andFIG. 11can be made to be few.

Further, when the nonlinear refractive index is determined, a table is prepared by calculating the relationship between the nonlinear refractive index and the feature value on the frequency response characteristic (the amplitude value or the frequency of the local minimum point) in advance, and the nonlinear refractive index can be determined by using the table previously prepared from the measured value.

Hereinafter, the concrete procedure of this method will be described.

Firstly, the feature value on the frequency response characteristic is calculated on the basis of the nonlinear Schroedinger equation for a given value of the nonlinear refractive index.

Next, such calculation is executed with respect to several values of the nonlinear refractive index, and a table of the nonlinear refractive indices and the feature values on the frequency response characteristic is prepared.

Then, the value of the nonlinear refractive index is determined by interpolating or extrapolating the value of the table from the feature value on the frequency response characteristic measured in actuality.

Note that, because the relationship between the nonlinear refractive index and the feature value on the frequency response characteristic differs in accordance with the chromatic dispersion of the optical fiber, the aforementioned table is prepared in advance with respect to several chromatic dispersion values, and it is possible for the chromatic dispersion to correspond to fibers of various dispersions by interpolating or extrapolating the table.

Next, the number of measurement points required in the method and device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber of the present invention will be described.

In the method and device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber of the present invention, basically, it of course suffices for there to be, as the minimum needed number of measurement points, a number of measurement points which is the number of unknown parameters.

However, from the standpoint of measuring accuracy, it is preferably a relationship of the following number of measurement points.

Firstly, when the nonlinear refractive index and the chromatic dispersion are unknown, the change in the frequency response characteristic due to the nonlinear refractive index and the change in the frequency response characteristic due to the chromatic dispersion are different from each other. Therefore, it is preferable to measure the amplitude values at two different modulating frequencies or the frequencies of two different local minimum points.

When the nonlinear refractive index and the chirp parameter are unknown, the change in the frequency response characteristic due to the nonlinear refractive index and the change in the frequency response characteristic due to the chirp parameter are similar, and the effect of the nonlinear refractive index differs in accordance with the optical power. Therefore, it is preferable to measure the amplitude values or the frequencies of local minimum points at two different optical powers.

Further, when the nonlinear refractive index, the chromatic dispersion, and the chirp parameter are unknown, the aforementioned two cases are combined. Therefore, it is preferable to measure the amplitude values or the local minimum points at three points including two different modulation frequencies and two different optical powers.

Summarizing the above results in the relationships shown in following Table 2.

FIG. 14is a block diagram showing a structure of a device20B for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Note that, in the structure shown inFIG. 14, the same reference numerals are given to the same structural bodies as the structural bodies used in the above-described first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted and only different portions will be described.

In the above-described device20A for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the first embodiment, the exiting light from the optical fiber1to be measured is directly inputted to the photoelectric transducer30.

However, in this structure, if the chromatic dispersion of the optical fiber1to be measured is small, the change in the frequency response characteristic due to the non-linearity is small. Therefore, when an optical fiber, such as a dispersion shifted fiber, having a small chromatic dispersion is measured, there is the need to extremely accurately measure the frequency response characteristic, and it is supposed that measurement is difficult.

Further, in the structure of the above-described device20A for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the first embodiment, also when the frequency at the local minimum point of the frequency response characteristic is used as the feature value, the frequency at the local minimum point is high if the chromatic dispersion is small. Therefore, there is the need to measure an extremely high frequency, and it is supposed that measurement is difficult.

Thus, in this device20B for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the second embodiment, in addition to the structure of the above-described device20A for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the first embodiment, as shown inFIG. 14, it is a structure in which a dispersion controller26, which effects control such that a chromatic dispersion value between the light transmitter22and the photoelectric transducer30becomes a chromatic dispersion value suitable for measuring the frequency response characteristic, is added before the photoelectric transducer30.

Namely, the device20B for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the second embodiment is a structure in which the exiting light from the optical fiber1to be measured is not directly inputted to the photoelectric transducer30, but the exiting light from the optical fiber1to be measured passes through the dispersion controller26.

In accordance therewith, when the chromatic dispersion of the optical fiber1to be measured is small, by making the chromatic dispersion large by the dispersion controller26, the total chromatic dispersion value is made to be a large value.

In this way, if the total dispersion value is set to be the same, the frequency response characteristic of the fiber to be measured having a small dispersion and the dispersion controller26is not exactly the same as in the case of only the fiber to be measured having a large dispersion, but is a characteristic similar thereto.

Accordingly, in the device20B for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the second embodiment, even when an optical fiber, such as a dispersion shifted fiber, having a small chromatic dispersion is measured, the difficulty of measurement such as in the above-described device20A for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the first embodiment can be overcome.

Note that, in the device20B for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the second embodiment, it suffices that the absolute value of the total chromatic dispersion value controlled by the dispersion controller26is large, and the total chromatic dispersion value may be either positive or negative.

Next, numerical examples of the total dispersion value to be applied to the device20B for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the second embodiment will be described.

As described above, when the frequency at the local minimum point is used as a predetermined feature value on the frequency response characteristic, an approximate value of the necessary chromatic dispersion can be estimated by using the equation (22) in the case of a linear form.

For example, given that the wavelength λ=1550 nm, the measuring points of the local minimum points of the frequency response characteristic are two points (u=0, 1), the chirp parameter α=0, and the maximum measurement frequency is about 20 GHz, there is the need for the total dispersion value to be about 470 ps/nm or more.

Next, self calibration will be described.

There is the need for the chromatic dispersion value of the dispersion controller26to be applied to the device20B for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the second embodiment to be known already. Other than a method in which the chromatic dispersion value of the chromatic dispersion controller26is measured in advance by another method, self calibration, in which the dispersion value is measured by the present measuring device20B itself, is possible.

For example, in place of the fiber1to be measured, by a method of connecting a short patch fiber which can ignore dispersion and the like or a method of switching by an optical switch, there is a structure in which the dispersion controller26is measured when the fiber to be measured is bypassed. Thus, the dispersion of the dispersion controller26can be measured by the present measuring device20B itself.

Further, when the non-linearity of the dispersion controller26is large such as with a dispersion compensating fiber, there is the need to also measure the nonlinear refractive index of the dispersion controller26. The nonlinear refractive index of the dispersion controller26as well can be measured by the aforementioned self calibration.

Next, calculating procedures when the dispersion controller26is added will be described.

First, after propagation of the light at the fiber to be measured is calculated, propagation of the dispersion controller26is calculated, and lastly, calculation of square-law detection by a photodiode used as the photoelectric transducer30may be carried out.

Concretely, the equations (20a), (20b) and (20c) are repeatedly calculated for the optical fiber1to be measured so as to determine Ap(L), and Ap(L+LDC) after passing through the dispersion controller26is determined by the following equation derived form the dispersion term of the Schroedinger equation:
Ap(L+LDC)=exp[−j(β2DCLDC/2)]4π2p2f2]Ap(L)
wherein, β2DCis a constant expressing the chromatic dispersion of the dispersion controller26, and LDCis the length of a dispersion controller26.

The detected signal M′ is determined by carrying out calculation of a square-law detection of the equation (21) by using Ap(L+LDC) instead of Ap(L).

Further, when the non-linearity of the dispersion controller26is large as in the case of a dispersion compensating fiber, the effect of the non-linearity of the dispersion controller26on the calculated result of the nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber1to be measured can be cancelled by carrying out the calculation including the non-linearity of the dispersion controller26.

Concretely, the equations (20a), (20b) and (20c) are repeatedly calculated for the optical fiber1to be measured and length Ap(L) is determined. Thereafter, during the length LDCand by using the values of loss, chromatic dispersion, and the nonlinear refractive index of the dispersion compensator, Ap(L+LDC) is determined by repeatedly calculating the equations (20a), (20b) and (20c) in the same way.

Next, a structural example of the dispersion controller26to be applied to the device20B for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the second embodiment will be described.

In order to correspond to optical fibers to be measured having various of chromatic dispersion values, the chromatic dispersion value of the dispersion controller26is preferably variable.

However, since it suffices to make the total dispersion value be within a range suited to measurement of the frequency response characteristic, there is no need to make it always correspond to a constant value.

Thus, it suffices for the dispersion controller26to not use a continuous chromatic dispersion value varying method, and the dispersion controller26may use a method of discretely varying or a method of switching between several fixed chromatic dispersion values.

Further, when the chromatic dispersion value of the optical fiber1to be measured is limited to a fixed range, the dispersion controller26may be a fixed dispersion controller having a sufficient total chromatic dispersion in that entire range.

FIGS. 15Ato15D are block diagrams showing concrete examples of the dispersion controller26as a structural example of the main portion of FIG.14.

FIG. 15Ashows the structure of the most simple dispersion controller26consisting of a dispersive medium.

When the non-linearity of the dispersive medium is sufficiently small as compared with the fiber to be measured, there are no problems even with such a simple structure. However, when the non-linearity of the dispersive medium cannot be ignored, it is possible to carry out computation including the nonlinear effect of the dispersive medium provided that the loss of the fiber to be measured is already known.

FIG. 15Bshows the structure of the dispersion controller26comprising an optical attenuator and a dispersive medium.

When there is a large non-linearity at the dispersive medium as with a dispersion compensating fiber, the dispersion controller26is structured such that the optical power which is incident on the dispersive medium is made to be small by adding the optical attenuator and the nonlinear effect of the dispersive medium is made to be small.

In this way, even when computation of the nonlinear effect of the dispersive medium is carried out, the effect of the error of the nonlinear refractive index of the dispersive medium can be made small.

FIG. 15Cshows a structure of the dispersion controller26comprising an optical power meter and a dispersive medium.

In this dispersion controller26, light divided by a coupler is measured by an optical power meter, and the values of the exiting light power of the fiber to be measured and the incident light power of the dispersive medium can be obtained (by correcting the loss of the coupler).

In accordance therewith, the loss of the fiber to be measured can be obtained, and even when the loss of the fiber to be measured is unknown, calculation of the nonlinear effect of the dispersive medium can be carried out.

FIG. 15Dis a structure of the dispersion controller26comprising the optical attenuator, the optical power meter, and the dispersive medium.

The dispersion controller26is a structure combining the dispersion controllers26shown in FIG.15B andFIG. 15C, and has features of both.

Namely, even when the loss of the fiber to be measured is unknown, it is possible to calculate the nonlinear effect of the dispersive medium, and the effect of the error of the nonlinear refractive index of the dispersive medium can be made small.

Note that, the order of connection of the optical attenuator and the optical power meter may be reversed.

Next, an example of the dispersive medium will be described.

Examples of the dispersive medium used here are various types of devices (for example, an optical fiber having a large chromatic dispersion such as a single mode fiber or a dispersion compensating fiber, a fiber bragg grating, a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA)) generally used in dispersion compensators.

FIG. 16is a block diagram showing a structure of a device20C for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Note that, in the structure shown inFIG. 16, the same reference numerals are given to the same structural bodies as the structural bodies used in the above-described first and second embodiments, and descriptions thereof will be omitted and only different portions will be described.

In measurement of the nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber, the greater the power of input light to the optical fiber to be measured, the greater the nonlinear effect. Therefore, because the measuring error relatively decreases, it is preferable to measure by using a light power which is as large as possible.

However, if the light power is larger than the Brillouin threshold value, a Stokes wave advancing in the opposite direction arises due to stimulated Brillouin scattering, and the substantial fiber incident power decreases. Therefore, the nonlinear effect becomes small, and measuring errors arise.

Therefore, in measurement of the nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber, the power of input light to the optical fiber to be measured is limited to a light power less than the Brillouin threshold value.

In this case, it is known that the Brillouin threshold value depends on the spectral line width of the light source, and if the spectral line width is narrow, the threshold value becomes small.

On the other hand, in measurement of the nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber by small signal modulation, there is hardly any increase of the line width due to the modulation, and the Brillouin threshold value is small and the light power is limited.

Thus, in the device20C for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the third embodiment, as shown inFIG. 16, a phase modulator27is provided between the light source23and the intensity modulator24at the light transmitting section22.

Further, the Brillouin threshold value is made large by adding phase modulation of a large signal from a signal generator28by the phase modulator27to increase the line width, the power of the incident light to the fiber1to be measured can be increased, and measuring errors can be decreased.

Here, because the phase modulation by the phase modulator27is for increasing the spectral line width, the modulating signal for use in the phase modulation from the signal generator28may be a signal having band corresponding to the increased spectral line width.

However, the phase modulation by the phase modulator27preferably uses, as the modulating signal of the phase modulation, a sine wave different from 1/integer of the modulation frequency of the intensity modulation by the intensity modulator24or a repeating signal of a frequency corresponding thereto, because the effect on the measurement using the intensity modulation is small.

Further, in the phase modulation by the phase modulator27, because the effect on the measurement using the intensity modulation is large if the modulation index of the phase modulation is large, the modulation index is preferably a modulation index which is needed and sufficient for suppressing the stimulated Brillouin scattering.

Note that the order of the phase modulation by the phase modulator27, the intensity modulation by the intensity modulator24, and the power variation by the power variable section25are arbitrary, and, in any order, the signals incident on the fiber1to be measured are the same.

FIG. 17is a block diagram showing a structure of a device20D for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to a modified example of the third embodiment.

Namely, in the device20D for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber according to the third embodiment, as shown inFIG. 17, the phase modulator27is provided between the intensity modulator24and the power variable section25at the light transmitting section22. The Brillouin threshold value is made large by adding phase modulation of a large signal from the signal generator28by the phase modulator27to increase the spectral line width, so that the power of the incident light on the fiber1can be increased, and measuring errors can be decreased.

Note that, in the structures of FIG.16andFIG. 17, the dispersion controller26used in the above-described second embodiment is used for both. However, in the same way as in the first embodiment, they may be structures in which the dispersion controller26is omitted.

As described above, in the method and device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber of the present invention, the light obtained by intensity-modulating, by a modulation signal of a sine wave, and phase-modulating the continuous light outputted from one light source is used as the measuring light. Therefore, the power can be accurately calibrated or can be easily and precisely measured by a general power meter without observing the time waveform, and highly-precise measurement can be carried out.

In the method and device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber of the present invention, because it suffices to carry out calculation with respect to the sine wave, a small calculating amount is sufficient. Further, the nonlinear refractive index is determined by using, as the measurement object, the frequency response characteristic formed from the frequencies and levels which can be precisely measured among the physical amounts. Therefore, as compared with the conventional method in which the time waveform of the pulse light is used as the measurement object, high measurement accuracy can be obtained.

Further, in the method and device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber of the present invention, when the modulation factor is sufficiently small with respect to 1, and the frequency at the local minimum point is the measurement object of the frequency response characteristic of the extracted signal, there is no need for an accurate value of the modulation factor and the extracted signal amplitude. Therefore, even more highly-precise measurement can be carried out without being affected by variation and the like of the characteristic with respect to the modulating frequency of the sine-wave generator, the intensity modulator, the photoelectric transducer, and the detector.

Furthermore, in the method and device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber of the present invention, by carrying out small signal approximation with respect to the modulation signal, it suffices that the calculating amount is extremely little, and the nonlinear refractive index can be rapidly determined. Further, because it is based on the nonlinear Schroedinger equation including the chromatic dispersion term, even a case in which the chromatic dispersion of the optical fiber is large can be handled.

In addition, in the method and device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber of the present invention, even when the chromatic dispersion of the optical fiber and the chirp parameter of the intensity modulator are unknown, the chromatic dispersion of the optical fiber and the chirp parameter can be determined simultaneously with the measurement of the nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber.

In the method and device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber of the present invention, by controlling the total chromatic dispersion value by the dispersion controller26, even when an optical fiber, such as a dispersion shifted fiber, having a small chromatic dispersion is measured, the measurement of the nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber can be easily carried out.

Further, in the method and device for measuring a nonlinear refractive index of an optical fiber of the present invention, the Brillouin threshold value is made large by adding phase modulation of a large signal from the signal generator28by the phase modulator27to increase the spectral line width, thereby the power of the incident light on the fiber can be increased, and measuring errors can be decreased.