Investigations on forward pumped two-step Raman amplification in optical fibre

Two-step Raman amplification has been experimentally demonstrated for the first time. Modelling of forward pumped two-step amplification has shown that the power in the second pump may be reduced to the mu W level for only modest increases in the first pump power level. Finally, the forward pumped two-step technique has been shown to offer the potential for lossless transmission over lengths of up to 60 km.