Supercontinuum Generation in Photonic Crystal Fibers: From One Wavelength to Many
Abstract: The phenomenon of white light dispersing into a rainbow is a concept all students of physics are familiar with. A similar phenomenon, in which laser light is separated into distinct wavelengths is not so familiar. This phenomenon, called supercontinuum generation, is the result of several nonlinear optical effects. To obtain such results, it is necessary to use high intensity electric fields in optical fibers to stimulate nonlinear optical effects. Such effects include nonlinear refractive indices, four-wave mixing, modulation instability, and stimulated Raman scattering. In my talk I will present my data from the University of Auckland in order explain creating a continuum of light from one wavelength.