Power scaling of normal-dispersion continuum generation using higher-order modes in microstructured optical fibers

The use of a higher-order HE₁₂-like mode to produce weak normal dispersion over a substantial wavelength range in a microstructured optical fiber is investigated numerically. It is shown that the effective area, and thereby the pulse energy, can in this way be scaled by an order of magnitude compared to using the fundamental mode in a single-mode fiber. Multimode nonlinear simulations indicate that nonlinear mode coupling will not disturb single-mode operation in the HE₁₂ mode at least up to the threshold where polarization modulation instability sets in.