Spectral hole in the amplified spontaneous emission spectrum of a fiber optical parametric amplifier

The amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) spectrum of a fiber optical parametric amplifier in a gain-saturation condition is studied. We experimentally observed holes around the signal and the idler in the ASE spectrum of a deeply gain-saturated amplifier. This observation is explained by a theoretical model that includes parametric interactions among ASE components and the pump, signal, and idler beams. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.