From zero dispersion to group index matching: How tapering fibers offers the best of both worlds for visible supercontinuum generation

We provide an experimental study of the nonlinear optical effects which can be enhanced in order to produce visible supercontinua in photonic crystal fibers. We examine individual uniform fibers and discuss the physical origins of the resulting supercontinua. We then examine tapered supercontinuum fibers which exploit the advantages of our individual uniform fibers at different points along the length of the taper. We demonstrate reproducible control of taper shape.

► We experimentally study supercontinuum output from high air-fraction photonic crystal fibers.
► We examine how aspects of our uniform fibers can be exploited in tapered fibers.
► We demonstrate excellent reproducibility of tapered supercontinuum fibers.