Generation and propagation of high-power parabolic pulses in optical fibers

Summary form only given.We have verified that high power parabolic pulses as generated in high gain, normal dispersion fiber amplifiers, can be propagated over substantial fiber lengths in the presence of large self-phase modulation. The self-similar propagation of parabolic pulses is invaluable for the design of future highly integrated ultrafast laser systems. Even now, parabolic pulses are central to the design of ultrahigh power ultrafast amplifiers and compressors based on cladding-pumped Yb fibers, which can produce femtosecond pulses with optical efficiencies larger than 70% at several watts of average power.