Nonlinear refractive index measurement in chalcogenide-glass fibers by self-phase modulation

Abstract

Nonlinear refractive index (n2) of chalcogenide-glass (As2S3) fibers has been evaluated for the first time from spectral broadening due to self-phase modulation. The obtained value of n2 was 1.7×10−14 (cm2/W) which is two orders of magnitude higher than the value with silica-glass fiber. This large n2 value is useful in reducing switching power and size when fiber is used for all-optical switches.