Dispersion-compensating fibers

This paper reviews properties and use of conventional single-mode dispersion-compensating fibers (DCFs). The quality of the dispersion compensation expressed as residual dispersion after compensation is treated. Properties of actual DCFs for discrete compensation including loss and nonlinear effects are discussed. Fiber design with special emphasis on design tradeoffs is considered. The Raman properties of DCFs and their use as a discrete Raman amplifier are also discussed. Finally, DCF for use in dispersion-managed cables (DMCs) is addressed, including optimum fiber design and comparison of different configurations.