Gain flattening and noise figure analysis of EDFA WDM configuration for L-band optical communication using wavelength selective attenuator

Abstract

In Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier, there are basically two main techniques for gain flattening: one is use external wavelength filters to flattenedthe gain while the other one relies on modifying the amplifying fiber properties to flatten the gain spectrum. The paper presents the study of simulation of a gain flattened EDFA WDM network for L-band optical communication using a Wavelength Selective Attenuator. The design provides a high gain of 34.63dB at 1593nm and gain flatness (P-P) 0.38dB by using a wavelength selective attenuator in the entire L-band at room temperature. Very promisingly, a noise figure of less than 11dB was found in the entire 37nm (1571nm- 1608nm) region. The variation has also been studied for various values of fiber length and pump power. © 2013 Photonics Society of Poland.