Abstract

A method for transforming fast solitons into slow ones in band-gap fibers with modal cut-off is proposed. The approach is based on deceleration of solitons by intrapulse Raman scattering and allows working with femtosecond input pulses. We develop a comprehensive theory for the soliton slow-down and elucidate how the fiber losses introduce a fundamental minimum for the soliton velocity.

© 2006 Optical Society of America