Optical amplifiers. Test methods - Noise figure parameters

BS EN 61290-3:2008 Optical amplifiers. Test methods. Noise figure parameters

BS EN 61290-3 applies to all commercially available optical amplifiers (OAs), including OAs using optically pumped fibres (OFAs based on either rare-earth doped fibres or on the Raman effect), semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) and planar waveguide optical amplifiers (PWOAs).

The object of BS EN 61290-3 is to provide the general background for OA noise figure parameters measurements and to indicate those IEC standard test methods for accurate and reliable measurements of the following OA parameters, as defined in IEC 61291-1:

a) noise figure (NF);

b) noise factor (F);

c) multiple path interference (MPI) figure of merit;

d) signal-spontaneous noise figure;

e) (equivalent) spontaneous-spontaneous optical bandwidth (Bsp-sp);

f) forward amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) power level;

g) reverse ASE power level;

h) ASE bandwidth.

BS EN 61290-3 addresses measurement of OAs that are to be used for amplifying single

channels, that is signals from a single transmitter. Testing of OAs for multichannel use

involves additional considerations, such as: the number, wavelengths and relative power of

the signals, the ability to measure signals simultaneously and to measure the ASE between

channels.

Contents of BS EN 61290-3:

• Introduction
• Scope and object
• Normative references
• Acronyms and abbreviations
• Noise figure generalities
• Noise figure contributions
• Noise figure test methods
• Bibliography