1310Â nm Raman amplifier utilizing high-power, quantum-dot pumping lasers

The Raman amplifier can be used to increase the range of 1310 nm transmission. In the paper, we present detailed studies regarding the design and performance of the 1310 nm Raman amplifier utilizing quantum-dot pumping lasers. We design and investigate performance of the QD laser based 1310 nm Raman amplifier with a single and double pump configuration, different fiber lengths and 1240/1310 nm coupler types (CWDM or circulator). The 1310 nm Raman amplifier gain as a function of wavelength is presented showing the amplification bandwidth of about 14-16 nm. Further, we achieved a gain of 17.7 dB and a noise figure of 4.5 dB in a QD-laser pumped 1310 nm Raman amplifier in a double pump configuration and 12.3 dB in a single pump configuration. Application of the 1240/1310 nm CWDM coupler allows for about 1-2 dB higher gain than circulator, however, with the potential trade off of the amplification bandwidth. We compare the 1310 nm Raman amplifier with the 1310 nm SOA, proving the comparable gain, higher saturation output power and lower noise figure of the Raman amplifier. Finally, we show that joined SOA-Raman amplifier can provide the bandwidth up to 85 nm.