4.2 Optical amplifiers: classification, basic configurations and principles of operation

Classification of optical amplifiers:


Main features of different optical amplifiers:


LD - TW OA LD - F-P OA EDFA Raman OA
Gain 30 dB 20 - 30 dB 30 - 45 dB 20 - 45 dB
Bandwidth 20-dB 1-5 THz 1 - 10 GHz 3-25 THz 3 THz
Output Power +10 dBm -10 - -5 dBm +5 - +10 dBm +30 dBm
Polarization Sensitivity Yes (No) Yes No No
Power Supply Current 100 -200 mA Current 20 mA Laser Diode 20 - 200 mW Laser 1 - 5 W

 

 

 

Figure 4.4 Block diagram of a semiconductor amplifier.

 

 

Figure 4.5 Gain of F-P and TW semiconductor amplifier.

 

Block diagram of EDFA contains a gain medium, pump source, pump WDM, and optoisolators.

 

 

Figure 4.6 Erbium doped fiber amplifier – basic configuration and energy levels.