Simulation of optical fiber amplifier gain using equivalent short fibers

Abstract

Electromagnetic wave propagation in optical fiber amplifiers obeys Maxwell equations. Using coupled mode theory, the full Maxwell system within an optical fiber amplifier is reduced to a simpler model. The simpler model is made more efficient through a new scale model, referred to as an equivalent short fiber, which captures some of the essential characteristics of a longer fiber. The equivalent short fiber can be viewed as a fiber made using artificial (unphysical) material properties that in some sense compensates for its reduced length. The computations can be accelerated by a factor approximately equal to the ratio of the original length to the reduced length of the equivalent fiber. Computations using models of two commercially available fibers – one doped with ytterbium, and the other with thulium – show the practical utility of the concept. Extensive numerical studies are conducted to assess when the equivalent short fiber model is useful and when it is not.