A low-loss specialty fiber designed for 980/1600 WDM coupler used in the L-band EDFA

Abstract

A 980/1600 Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) fiber coupler is a critical component of an L-band (1580 nm to 1620 nm wavelength region) Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA), and the application in the L-band requires low optical loss at 980 nm and 1600 nm for the single mode fiber used in making the coupler. Common single mode fiber, designed for use at 980 nm, would usually have a significantly higher optical loss at these wavelengths. Therefore, a new design may be required. In this paper, we describe our work in fiber design to meet the new requirements and discuss relevant issues, especially fiber attenuation and bend loss performance.