Frédérique Vanholsbeeck

Complete Experimental Characterization of the Influence of Parametric Four-Wave Mixing on Stimulated Raman Gain

We present what is to our knowledge the first complete measurement of the dependence of Raman gain on chromatic dispersion, fully revealing the influence of parametric four-wave mixing on stimulated Raman scattering. In particular, a threefold increase of the Raman gain is observed under phase-matching conditions, in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. Our experiments, which were performed in a photonic crystal fiber, demonstrate that these unique fibers can be exploited to boost the performances of fiber Raman amplifiers.

Cascaded Raman generation in optical fibers: influence of chromatic dispersion and Rayleigh backscattering.

We study experimentally the influence of chromatic dispersion and Rayleigh backscattering on cascaded Raman generation in silica optical fibers. Effects ranging from enhanced spectral broadening of the Stokes orders to generation of higher Stokes order at unexpected wavelengths are observed. Additionally, we show that four-wave-mixing processes can quench the noisy Rayleigh lasing lines generated in power Raman amplifiers. Our observations are confirmed by numerical simulations.

Numerical modeling of a four-wave-mixing-assisted Raman fiber laser

We present a new numerical model of cascaded Raman fiber lasers that takes into account the chromatic dispersion of the fiber and includes the full spectrum of the intracavity field. This model explains and describes remarkably well a new operating regime found experimentally and reveals that chromatic dispersion is truly a new degree of freedom in the design of cascaded Raman lasers.

Numerical and experimental study of the influence of chromatic dispersion on cascaded Raman generation in optical fibers

Cascaded Raman generation in optical fibers, both in single pass and in laser configurations, is shown to be strongly affected by the chromatic dispersion profile of the fiber. Some applications of this phenomenon are discussed.

Numerical modeling of four-wave mixing-assisted Raman fiber laser

We present a new numerical model of cascaded Raman fiber lasers that takes into account four-wave mixing. New operating conditions are found when the laser dispersion is properly tuned, in good agreement with experimental results.

Cascaded Raman generation in optical fibers: Influence of chromatic dispersion and Rayleigh backscattering

We study experimentally and numerically how chromatic dispersion and Rayleigh backscattering influence cascaded Raman generation in optical fibers. We report higher Stokes orders at unexpected wavelengths and quenching of Rayleigh lasing lines by four-wave mixing.