Passive WDM channel power equalization with cascaded nonlinear amplifying loop mirrors

Ueyn L. Block; Benjamin J. Vakoc; Michel J. F. Digonnet; Martin M. Fejer

doi:10.1117/12.467477

14 May 2002 Passive WDM channel power equalization with cascaded nonlinear amplifying loop mirrors

Ueyn L. Block, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Michel J. F. Digonnet, Martin M. Fejer

Proceedings Volume 4638, Optical Devices for Fiber Communication III; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.467477
Event: High-Power Lasers and Applications, 2002, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

We propose a novel cascaded amplifier system for long-haul PSK or FSK transmission that equalizes WDM channel powers completely passively. An unflattened EDFA is asymmetrically placed within an all-fiber Sagnac interferometer. The Kerr nonlinearity of the Sagnac-loop fiber induces a net phase difference between the counterpropagating signals. Individual channels have independent, nonlinear transfer functions upon exiting the loop. This system provides higher gain for weak channels, while strong channels receive reduced gain. Thus, all channels approach and maintain a steady-state power level through successive amplifications. This system requires no active feedback mechanisms to maintain channel power equality. Its performance is not affected by changes in the gain spectrum of the optical amplifier and, unlike all other power equalization or gain-flattening schemes, the degree of equalization improves with increasing number of amplifications. This presentation will discuss the operating principle of this device, theoretical predictions of its properties, and work in progress towards an experimental proof of principle.

Citation Download Citation

Ueyn L. Block, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Michel J. F. Digonnet, and Martin M. Fejer "Passive WDM channel power equalization with cascaded nonlinear amplifying loop mirrors", Proc. SPIE 4638, Optical Devices for Fiber Communication III, (14 May 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.467477

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