Spatial modes in a PCF fiber generated continuum

We measure the propagation properties of a highly nonlinear photonic crystal fiber ( PCF). The spatial, temporal and frequency dependent properties of the propagating modes are measured under conditions of high power, seven picosecond excitation, white light continuum generation. The experimentally determined multi-mode nature of the white light continuum is found to be in good agreement with numerical simulations. (c) 2005 Optical Society of America.