Title :
The Input Power Dynamic Range of a Semiconductor Optical Amplifier and Its Relevance for Access Network Applications
Author :
Bonk, R. ; Vallaitis, T. ; Guetlein, J. ; Meuer, C. ; Schmeckebier, H. ; Bimberg, D. ; Koos, C. ; Freude, W. ; Leuthold, J.
Author_Institution :
Inst. of Photonics & Quantum Electron. (IPQ), Karlsruhe Inst. of Technol. (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
Abstract :
The input power dynamic range (IPDR) of a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) gives the input power range within which an SOA can be operated error free. It is among the most important parameters describing the usability range of an SOA in an access network. In this paper, we give design guidelines to maximize the IPDR at a given gain. Our IPDR description indicates that a large IPDR can be obtained if SOAs are designed properly. A particular large IPDR is predicted to be found for well-designed quantum-dot (QD)-SOAs. We apply both theory and experiment to a 1.3- μm QD-SOA and investigate the IPDR as a function of bitrate, wavelength, and bias current. Large IPDRs of 41 and 36 dB are found for single-channel experiments with a signal quality of Q2 = 12.6 dB at 2.5 and 40 Gbit/s, respectively.
Keywords :
optical communication equipment; optical design techniques; optical fibre subscriber loops; semiconductor optical amplifiers; IPDR; SOA; access network; bias current; bit rate; bit rate 2.5 Gbit/s; bit rate 40 Gbit/s; input power dynamic range; quantum-dot-SOA; semiconductor optical amplifier; signal quality; wavelength 1.3 mum; Bit rate; Gain; Optical fiber amplifiers; Passive optical networks; Semiconductor optical amplifiers; Stimulated emission; Fiber optics systems; optoelectronic materials; semiconductor materials;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Journal, IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/JPHOT.2011.2172787
