The focus of this research is the amplification and shaping of quantum initiation noise by spontaneously initiated Stokes Raman scattering (SRS) in an optical fiber. Both experimental measurements and numerical modeling will be performed. Attention will be directed to determining how the initially large scale fluctuations evolve as well as to the temporal formation and shaping of the first Stokes pulse by the nonlinear gain. The conditions of sustained nonlinear interactions. The educational component of this program will provide the students at this undergraduate institution with both basic knowledge through their research as well as practical training because of the importance of SRS in optical signal processing.