Raman amplifiers for use in WDM systems

Abstract

In this paper Raman Amplifiers (RAs) for Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) fiber optic systems are analysed. We start by explaining the physical principles of this kind of amplification are explained, and the principal characteristics and advantages of using these amplifiers are enumerated. The technique of multiple pumping (MP) is studied aiming to obtain broadband amplifiers with equalized gain, and some results are obtained by simulation (80nm with 1.3dB in gain variation). It is performed a simple configuration of distributed amplification for a long haul WDM system, where a bit rate increase to 40Gb/s can be done, without changing the system configuration or decrease Signal Noise Ratio (SNR).