Fiber Optical Parametric Amplifiers, Oscillators and Related Devices

This book, published in 2007, provides comprehensive coverage of the theory and practice of OPAs and related devices, including fiber optical parametric oscillators (OPOs). After introducing the field, the theory and techniques behind all types of fiber OPAs are covered starting from first principles - topics include the scalar and vector OPA theory; the nonlinear Schrodinger equation; OPO theory; and quantum noise figure of fiber OPAs. Challenges of making fiber OPAs practical for a number of applications are discussed, and a survey of the state-of-the-art in feasibility demonstrations and performance evaluations is provided. The capabilities and limitations of OPAs; the potential applications for OPAs and OPOs, and prospects for future developments in the field are discussed. Theoretical tools developed in this text can also be applied to other areas of nonlinear optics. This is a valuable resource for researchers, advanced practitioners, and graduate students in optoelectronics.1. Introduction; 2. Properties of single-mode optical fibers; 3. Scalar OPA theory; 4. Vector OPA theory; 5. The optical gain spectrum; 6. The nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLSE); 7. Pulsed-pump OPAs; 8. OPO theory; 9. Quantum noise figure of fiber OPAs; 10. Pump requirements; 11. Performance results; 12. Potential applications of fiber OPAs and OPOs; 13. Nonlinear crosstalk in fiber OPAs; 14. Distributed parametric amplification; 15. Prospects for future developments; Appendices: A.1 General theorems for solving typical OPA equations; A.2 The WKB approximation; A.3 Jacobian elliptic function solutions; A.4 Solution of four coupled equations for the six-wave model; A.5 Summary of useful equations.