Review of Comparative Booster Performances of Semiconductor Optical Amplifier and Erbium-doped-fiber Amplifier for use in Future Long-haul Optical Networks

Riyam A Johni,David I Forsyth,Kanar R Tariq

doi:10.19026/rjaset.13.3020

Abstract

This study reviews the performance of the Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA) photonic device with the classic Erbium-doped-fiber-amplifier (EDFA). In certain situations, we report that the SOA out-performs the EDFA, particularly in terms of gain and Q-factor and BER of the post-amplified received signal. This substantiates its potential as a viable replacement for the EDFA in future all-optical, long haul networks.

Highlights

The attenuation losses in long haul optical systems of the future can be improved by using all-optical amplification (Bogoni et al, 2004)
This study will review a selection of recent work done on the comparative performances of Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA) and EDFAs, in terms of gain and Q-factor and BER of post-amplified received signal
The prototyped SOA had an output power of 5 dBm or higher and a Noise Figure (NF) of 4 dB or lower at 100 mA of current satisfying the requirements for a singlechannel optical amplifier, whose characteristics were similar to those of an EDFA

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The attenuation losses in long haul optical systems of the future can be improved by using all-optical amplification (Bogoni et al, 2004). The two types of optical amplifier most used at present are the Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA) and the Optical Fiber Amplifier (OFA) The latter devices usually employ rare-earth doped fiber gain mediums, commonly erbium (Er3+) and have tended to dominate conventional system applications for many years functioning only as in-line amplification to compensate for fiber losses. SOAs are increasingly becoming of interest, as basic amplifiers, but as more functional elements in optical communication networks capable of providing alloptical signal processing; such as high speed optical switching, optical gating, wavelength conversion and in-line detection. These functions, where there is no conversion of optical signals into the electrical domain, will be required in future transparent optical networks.

No yes

REVIEW OF RECENT WORK

CONCLUSION