Application of preemphasis to achieve flat output OSNR in time-varying channels in cascaded EDFAs without equalization

Abstract

In this paper, we present a new method for optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) equalization of wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) channels at the end of a cascade of several erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) by use of preemphasis, as well as the proper choice of EDFA design parameters. Identical OSNR at the end of the cascade ensures better signal detection and quality of service. The dynamics of the equalizing method have been demonstrated by simulation for single- and double-stage amplifier designs using a numerical model incorporating time variation effects in EDFA. Calculations are based on the solution of a transcendental equation describing the dynamics of the reservoir, i.e., the total number of excited ions, for each EDFA. Traffic on eight WDM channels is modeled as statistically independent ON-OFF time-slotted sources. In addition, we investigate the effect of gain clamping of the first amplifier in the cascade-by implementing a ring laser and propagating the lasing power through the cascade-on the statistics of OSNR variation. We show that it is possible to achieve dynamic OSNR equalization for a WDM system by the use of preemphasis and an appropriate choice of EDFA parameters, without resorting to optical equalization filters. Most previous equalization methods are static with flat gain for a given inversion level in the amplifier. Changes in the input power (due to network reconfiguration or packetized traffic) will lead to a varying inversion level and hence non optimal equalization.