Dual-band fiber optic parametric amplifier for bi-directional transient-sensitive fiber optical transmission links

Abstract

We demonstrate an in-line polarization-insensitive fiber optic parametric amplifier (PI-FOPA) to simultaneously amplify burst and non-burst signals transmitted in opposite directions in C and L bands. The PI-FOPA provides >16 dB polarization insensitive net gain for signals which are 53 nm apart and counter-propagating in an extended reach link: an upstream bursty signal at 1533 nm and a downstream non-burst signal at 1586 nm. The PI-FOPA potential application as an in-line dual-band amplifier in transient-sensitive communication links is demonstrated by its employment in an extended reach access network with a symmetric 10 Gbps capacity.