A parametric process is provided for producing visible light at a second
wavelength including pumping an optical fiber (4) with input light (1) at
a first wavelength of less than one micron, which is longer than the
second wavelength, and wherein the optical fiber (4) has zero group
velocity dispersion at a third wavelength in the visible or near infrared
region and longer than the first wavelength. An optical amplifier that
uses the parametric process for producing light at second wavelength is
also provided. The optical fiber (4) may be a photonic crystal fiber. The
parametric process is tuneable by adjusting the frequency of the zero
group velocity dispersion, the frequency of the first wavelength or the
birefringence of the optical fiber (4).