Supercontinuum Generation Optimization in a Dispersion-Varying Chalcogenide Fiber

We experimentally demonstrate that a variable longitudinal dispersion profile can enhance supercontinuum generation in a chalcogenide tapered fiber, compared to tapered fibers with a standard, constant dispersion profile. For this purpose, nonlinear As2S3 tapered fibers are compared experimentally and numerically based on their dispersion profile. The optimal taper with non-uniform dispersion profile simultaneously enhances the energy transfer to both dispersive waves and Raman solitons towards shorter and longer wavelengths, respectively. The generated supercontinuum spans within the spectral range of 1.20-2.98 μm with an out-of-pump power enhancement of 4.3 dB at shorter wavelengths, 2.5 dB at longer wavelengths, and a bandwidth extension of 262 nm, compared to the supercontinuum generated with an optimal but constant dispersion profile.