Experimental Observation of Soliton Evolution at Discrete Spatial Intervals

Optical reflectometry is a critical investigative tool for light wave systems and components. We demonstrate the optical time resolved spectral domain reflectometry technique to study the propagation and evolution of nonlinear optical pulses and solitons in optical fibers. The experimental set up requires access to the input end of the fiber under test. The spatial resolution can be controlled and optimized through the gating pulses. The back scattered light is utilized to observe the spectral evolution without disturbing the launching conditions. The test bed can also be efficiently used to observe the interaction between co-propagating pulses in a soliton WDM system.