Comparative Analysis of DCF and OPC as Means to Minimize FWM in WDM System

Abstract

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) has made possible bidirectional communication while simultaneously multiplying the capacity of Optical Communication System. Apart from dispersion, WDM system is prone to non-linear effects like Four-Wave Mixing (FWM). In this paper, FWM effects have been discussed in detail with important techniques to mitigate FWM effects. Dispersion Compensating components like, Dispersion Compensating Fiber (DCF) and Optical Phase Conjugator (OPC), used for FWM reduction, have been compared on the basis of certain parameters. The comparison is carried out in the OptiSystem simulator, varying different parameters and analyzing the results. Based on these results and observations, the best component at various values of important parameters can be determined. This comparison will help determine the feasibility of using any one component in practical applications. Also, this research opens the door to check the possibility of utilizing hybrid configurations of dispersion compensating components for FWM reduction.