Dispersion-compensation module based on one preform design matching arbitrary dispersion and slope requirements

In this article, we propose a method to realize dispersion-compensation modules (DCMs) with a user-defined dispersion in a specified bandwidth for a given tolerance. It is based on the wavelength shift of a characteristic dispersion function by scaling the refractive-index profile. Controlling the fiber diameter during the manufacturing process leads to the desired scaling. In order to get a DCM with the predefined wavelength-dependent dispersion, a specific diameter-versus-position function has to be implemented. To demonstrate the concept, compensators for typical transmission fibers were simulated. For example, the dispersion in the complete C band (1530-1570 nm) can be compensated for 100 km of TeraLight and TrueWave-RS. The results showed a residual dispersion of only ±1 ps/nm and could be realized with overall compensator lengths of 3.54 and 1.97 km, respectively. Furthermore, higher order dispersion in the S, C, and L bands (1490-1610 nm) was compensated for different requirements with a tolerance of only ±0.5 ps/nm, which enables ultrahigh bit-rate transmission at 160 Gb/s. In order to estimate the feasibility of such a DCM, a tolerance analysis is presented, and the guiding properties are approximated.