Cross-correlation frequency-resolved optical gating for studying ultrashort-pulse nonlinear dynamics in arbitrary fibers

We describe a cross-correlation frequency-resolved optical-gating system specifically designed for studying nonlinear pulse-propagation dynamics in fibers of arbitrary length at telecommunication wavelengths. The formation of optical solitons and the appearance of temporal phase slips are observed in 100 m of fiber. The wide phase-matching bandwidth and high sensitivity of this system allow us to visualize femtosecond-pulse evolution in a range of linear and nonlinear propagation regimes.