Abstract
The erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is an imperative element in DWDM networks. This all-optical amplifier enables simultaneous amplification of multiple wavelengths. Nevertheless, uneven gain across the usable wavelength region remains a concern. Understanding and modelling the dynamic characteristics of an EDFA is an important step towards achieving a flat gain spectrum. A Simulink model for investigating EDFA dynamics has been developed by Novak and Gieske (2002). Following their work, we have developed an enhanced version of the EDFA Simulink model with more capabilities. Previous results were verified for the given doped fiber length without noise. In addition, the forward amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise is added to the model and the optimum length is determined (with and without considering ASE) by simulation and used in all subsequent stages. A significant addition to the model is the ability to handle multiple channels using the absorption and emission coefficients previously obtained experimentally. The resulting model accurately represents EDFA gain dynamics and forward ASE. Simulation results show a 12 dB gain fluctuation across a 40 mn window per EDFA.
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