A dispersion compensating optical fiber for use in a high data rate telecommunications
span or link. The dispersion compensating optical fiber in accordance with the
invention provides excellent compensation of total dispersion over a range of wavelengths
(e.g., 1527-1567 nm), thus minimizing signal distortion in wavelength division
multiplexed systems. The dispersion compensating fiber has a refractive index profile
with a central core segment having an inner peak with i%, an
outer peak with 1%, and a trough with a t%
less than both i% and 1%, a moat segment with
a 2%, and a ring segment with a 3%. Preferably,
t% and 3% are greater than 2%.
Also disclosed is an optical transmission span having residual dispersion less
than +/-25 ps/km for 100 km of transmission fiber over a wavelength band of 1527-1567 nm.
