Chromatic dispersion characterization in short single-mode fibers by spectral scanning of phase difference in a Michelson interferometer

Chromatic dispersion characteristics around zero-dispersion wavelength have been measured in short samples of single-mode fibers by a spectral scanning of the interference signal in a Michelson interferometer. The propagative refractive index is directly obtained from the phase-difference variations with the wavelength between a light beam propagated through the fiber and a reference beam. The optimum operative conditions of the interferometer for obtaining the unequivocal analysis of experimental signals are discussed. The accuracy of the results obtained shows the reliability of the method for a complete dispersion characterization