Chromatic dispersion measurements in single-mode fibers using picosecond InGaAsP injection lasers in the 1.2- to 1.5-μm spectral region

We describe the use of picosecond InGaAsP injection lasers for measuring chromatic dispersion in single-mode fibers in the 1.2- to 1.5-μm spectral region. Injection lasers at various wavelengths and a single-mode fiber-to-fiber switch are used in the pulse delay and pulse-broadening measurements. The simplicity and the compactness make the setup useful for field measurements and quality control.