Modeling of microstructured nonzero dispersion shifted optical fiber with ultralow dispersion slope

We report a model of microstructured nonzero dispersion shifted fiber (NZ-DSF) suitable for use in a future wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system with more enhanced performance characteristics than conventional NZ-DSFs, A microstructured fiber has been chosen because of the flexibility in tailoring its dispersion properties, which helps to attain various desired configurations unachievable in conventional fibers. The refractive index profile has been modeled semi-analytically as well as numerically. The single mode fiber design is optimized for low dispersion, ultralow dispersion slope, and low confinement loss at 1550 nm. A large mode area minimizes nonlinearities and facilitates its operation over the entire S, C, and L bands. The optimized dispersion slope has the lowest value among the reported results for conventional NZ-DSFs. (C) 2009 Optical Society of Americ