Flat gain spectrum design of Raman fiber amplifiers based on particle swarm optimization and average power analysis technique

In this work, the modified particle swarm optimization is used as an optimization tool to determine the set of wavelengths and power levels of pumps that delivers a flat gain spectrum for Raman fiber amplifiers. The average power analysis technique is used as a numerical method to solve the coupled Raman amplifier equations. By combining the modified particle swarm optimization and average power analysis technique an efficient algorithm for the design of flat-gain-spectrum broadband Raman fiber amplifiers is constructed. Application of this algorithm to the design of flat-gain-spectrum broadband Raman fiber amplifiers shows that the design efficiency of the new method is improved by 1–2 orders of magnitude compared with similar implementations previously reported in the literature. A 4-backward-pump gain-flattened Raman amplifier with bandwidth of 100-nm and maximum gain ripple of <1.0 dB is designed to demonstrate the technique.

► A highly efficient method for the design of Raman fiber amplifiers is proposed.
► Design efficiency of the new method is improved by 1–2 orders of magnitude.
► A gain-flattened Raman amplifier with bandwidth of 100-nm is designed successfully.