SBS suppression using a depolarized source for high power fiber applications

A depolarized source for fiber applications is demonstrated using a traveling wave LiNbO/sub 3/ phase modulator. The source suppresses stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in the fiber when operated at high drive frequencies, enabling more power to be delivered to a remote location. The threshold for SBS is examined in detail using optical powers up to 150 mW and drive frequencies up to 4 GHz. A resonant enhancement technique is demonstrated which reduces the drive power requirement for frequencies <2 GHz by up to 7.6 dB.