Reflection means such as a mirror are provided on the output end of an
optical fiber, and the input signal light and control light are returned
to the optical fiber. Although the zero-dispersion wavelength of the
optical fiber fluctuates in the longitudinal direction, if the length is
relatively short, it is possible to manufacture a high yield of optical
fibers, which monotonically changes the zero-dispersion wavelength.
Therefore, a relatively short optical fiber with a monotonic
zero-dispersion change can be used. Since the zero-dispersion change is
monotonic and the optical fiber is short, the amount of change in the
zero-dispersion wavelength is small and the bandwidth becomes broader
when the control light is set at the position of the average
zero-dispersion wavelength. Additionally, although the length of the
optical fiber is short, the operating length is twice as long and thus
the generation efficiency does not degrade.