An approach to the measurement of the nonlinear refractive index of very short lengths of optical fibers

A method for the measurement of the nonlinear-refractive index coefficient in single-mode optical fibers is presented. It takes advantage of the high sensitivity of the acousto-optic interaction effect in optical fibers to the fiber properties. Direct measurement of the nonlinear-refractive index change resulting from cross-phase modulation between a probe and a pump signal is obtained from the fiber's acousto-optic interaction performance. It is a non-interferometric method in which a very short length of fiber (< 0.25 m) is required. Published by AIP Publishing.