Performance optimization of EDFA–Raman hybrid optical amplifier using genetic algorithm

• A net gain model of hybrid EDFA–Raman is proposed.
• The genetic algorithm relies on net gain model for optimization.
• The large gain flatness (<1.35 dB) is achieved using optimized parameters.
• The proposed system provides acceptable bit error rate among all the channels.

For the first time, a novel net gain analytical model of EDFA–Raman hybrid optical amplifier (HOA) is designed and optimized the various parameters using genetic algorithm. Our method has shown to be robust in the simultaneous analysis of multiple parameters, such as Raman length, EDFA length and its pump powers, to obtained highest possible gain. The optimized HOA is further investigated and characterized on system level in the scenario of 100×10 Gbps dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) system with 25 GHz interval. With an optimized HOA, a flat gain of >18 dB is obtained from frequency region 187 to 189.5 THz with a gain variation of less than 1.35 dB without using any gain flattened technique. The obtained noise figure is also the lowest value (<2 dB/channel) ever reported for proposed hybrid optical amplifier at reduced channel spacing with acceptable bit error rate.