Apparatus and method for Raman gain spectral control

Abstract

The invention pertains to optical fiber transmission systems, and is particularly relevant to optical transport systems employing Raman optical amplifiers. In particular the invention teaches an apparatus and method to provide initial tuning of a Raman pump module. In the present invention, improvements to Raman gain control are taught in order to provide for an advantageous Raman gain spectral profile.

Description

TECHNIAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to the field of optical communications, and in particular to, an optical transport system that uses Raman optical amplifiers. In particular the invention teaches an apparatus and method to provide initial tuning of a Raman pump module. In the present invention, improvements to Raman gain control are taught in order to provide for an advantageous Raman gain spectral profile.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A goal of many modem long haul optical transport systems is to provide for the efficient transmission of large volumes of voice traffic and data traffic over trans-continental distances at low costs. Various methods of achieving these goals include time division multiplexing (TDM) and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). In time division multiplexed systems, data streams comprised of short pulses of light are interleaved in the time domain to achieve high spectral efficiency, high data rate transport. In wavelength division multiplexed systems, data streams comprised of short pulses of light of different carrier frequencies, or equivalent wavelength, co-propagate in the same fiber to achieve high spectral efficiency, high data rate transport.

[0004] The transmission medium of these systems is typically optical fiber. In addition there is a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter typically includes a semiconductor diode laser, and supporting electronics. The laser may be directly modulated with a data train with an advantage of low cost, and a disadvantage of low reach and capacity performance. After binary modulation, a high bit may be transmitted as an optical signal level with more power than the optical signal level in a low bit. Often, the optical signal level in a low bit is engineered to be equal to, or approximately equal to zero. In addition to binary modulation, the data can be transmitted with multiple levels, although in current optical transport systems, a two level binary modulation scheme is predominantly employed.

[0005] Typical long haul optical transport dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) systems transmit 40 to 80 10 channels at Gbps (gigabit per second) across distances of 3000 to 6000 km in a single 30 nm spectral band. A duplex optical transport system is one in which traffic is both transmitted and received between parties at opposite end of the link. In current DWDM long haul transport systems transmitters different channels operating at distinct carrier frequencies are multiplexed using a multiplexer. Such multiplexers may be implemented using array waveguide grating (AWG) technology or thin film technology, or a variety of other technologies. After multiplexing, the optical signals are coupled into the transport fiber for transmission to the receiving end of the link.

[0006] At the receiving end of the link, the optical channels are de-multiplexed using a de-multiplexer. Such de-multiplexers may be implemented using AWG technology or thin film technology, or a variety of other technologies. Each channel is then optically coupled to separate optical receivers. The optical receiver is typically comprised of a semiconductor photodetector and accompanying electronics.

[0007] The total link distance may in today's optical transport systems be two different cities separated by continental distances, from 1000 km to 6000 km, for example. To successfully bridge these distances with sufficient optical signal power relative to noise, the total fiber distance is separated into fiber spans, and the optical signal is periodically amplified using an in line optical amplifier after each fiber span. Typical fiber span distances between optical amplifiers are 50-100 km. Thus, for example, 30 100 km spans would be used to transmit optical signals between points 3000 km apart. Examples of inline optical amplifers include erbium doped fiber amplifers (EDFAs) and semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs).

[0008] Alternatively, a Raman optical amplifier may be used to boost the optical signal power. Most Raman optical amplifiers comprise at least one high power pump laser that is launched into the fiber span. Through the nonlinear optical process of stimulated Raman scattering in the SiO2 of the glass of the fiber span, this pump signal provides gain to the optical signal power. A Raman amplifier may be co-propagating or counter-propagating to the optical signal, and a common configuration is to counter-propagate the Raman pump. A Raman amplifier may be used alone, or in combination with an alternate example of an inline optical amplifier, such as an EDFA. For example, a Raman amplifier may be used in conjunction with an inline optical amplifier to accommodate high loss spans and to bring the net span loss within an allowable system dynamic range.

[0009] The gain profile of Raman gain in an optical fiber is not spectrally flat, and it would be desirable to achieve control over the Raman pump source in order to achieve a spectrally flat Raman gain. It is further desirable to be able to control the gain profile of the Raman gain in order to achieve a spectral dependence that may not necessarily be flat, but may be advantageous in other regards.

[0010] The power of the Raman pumps can be designed (e.g. by simulations) to yield flat (or arbitrarily shaped) gain for a nominal (typical) fiber span. But two parameters of the real fiber are random and unknown: 1) the wavelength dependent coupling loss between pump laser and fiber input and 2) the wavelength dependent loss of the fiber. To compensate for these unknowns, the pump powers need to be adapted.

[0011] One way to obtain the correct pump power values is to measure the spectral gain shape and adapt the power values for flat gain shape. But that requires expensive channel power monitors (measuring wavelength resolved power values) it also requires signals present at all wavelengths which may not be possible in some systems where all channels are not equiped. The present invention discloses a solution that is based on simple (overall) power measurements and only requires a single channel in the system to be active.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In the present invention, improvements to Raman gain control are taught in order to provide for an advantageous Raman gain spectral profile.

[0013] In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus to achieve a flat Raman gain profile is taught using a plurality of Raman pump lasers.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus to achieve an advantageously shaped Raman gain profile is taught using a plurality of Raman pump lasers.

[0015] In another aspect of the invention, a method to achieve a flat Raman gain profile is taught using a plurality of Raman pump lasers.

[0016] In another aspect of the invention, a method to achieve an advantageously shaped Raman gain profile is taught using a plurality of Raman pump lasers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures in which corresponding numerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a Raman gain control apparatus to achieve an advantageously shaped Raman gain spectral profile.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a Raman gain control method to achieve an advantageously shaped Raman gain spectral profile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention.

[0021] In FIG. 1 is shown a block diagram of a Raman gain control apparatus to achieve an advantageously shaped Raman gain spectral profile. The Raman gain control apparatus comprises a plurality of Raman pump lasers. Shown in FIG. 1 are Raman pump laser 102 and Raman pump laser 104. Raman pump laser 102 and Raman pump laser 104 are optically coupled to wavelength selective coupler 106. Wavelength selective coupler 106 is further optically coupled to fiber span 108 and optical tap 110. The apparatus also comprises optical power meter 112, and a Raman gain control unit 114. In FIG. 1 is shown optical tap 120 and optical power meter 122. Power meter 122 is coupled to control unit 114 by communication link 140. Optical tap 120 is coupled to the opposite end of fiber span 108 from wavelength selective coupler 106. Also shown for reference in FIG. 1 is in-line optical amplifier 132 and in-line optical amplifier 134.

[0022] Raman pump laser 102 and Raman pump laser 104 may be implemented as a sufficiently powerful laser such as a high power semiconductor diode lasers, or a plurality of high power semiconductor lasers. The plurality of high power semiconductor lasers may be of the same wavelength. In the context of this invention, it will be understood that Raman pump laser 102 and Raman pump laser 104 will be purposefully at different wavelengths to provide uniform or otherwise tailored Raman gain across a broad spectrum. It should be noted that while FIG. 1. shows a preferred embodiment with two Raman pump lasers with respectively two emission wavelengths, this invention allows more than two Raman pump lasers with more than two emission wavelengths.

[0023] Wavelength selective coupler 106 may be realized as a thin film optical coupler or other technology so long as the optical coupler acts to couple the Raman pump laser signals into to fiber span 108, while allowing the optical data signal to proceed from fiber span 108 towards in-line amplifier 134. Optical fiber span 108 may be implemented using optical fiber, and in a preferred embodiment is single mode fiber such as SMF-28 or LEAF. Typical distances for fiber span 108 are 75-125 km. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a Raman amplifier can be used on every link in the transmission system to reduce the amplifier noise figure and enable more spans for the longer fiber spans with higher losses.

[0024] Optical tap 110 and optical tap 120 may be fused couplers, or thin film couplers. Alternatively, wavelength selective coupler 106 may be a circulator. Optical power meter 112 and optical power meter 122 may be a calibrated photodiode. Raman gain control unit 114 may be a microprocessor, or microcomputer, and fulfills the feedback loop between the optical power meter 112, optical power meter 122 and Raman pump laser 120. In particular, feedback loop 140 connects optical power meter 122 and Raman gain unit 114. In a preferred embodiment, feedback loop 140 may be implemented though the optical service channel of the optical transport system. Examples of inline optical amplifier 132 and optical amplifier 134 include erbium doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) and semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs). Potentially a discrete Raman amplifier may also be used for in-line optical amplifier 132 and in-line optical amplifier 134.

[0025] FIG. 1 may now be used to understand the operation of the invention to control the spectral dependence of the Raman gain. For example, to achieve a spectrally flat gain, two pump wavelengths may be used with the correct relative power ratio between Raman pump laser 102 and Raman pump laser 104. However, power losses in the pump coupling components, for example wavelength selective coupler 106 and fiber losses, can be wavelength dependent, causing the signal from Raman pump laser 102 to be attenuated differently than the signal from Raman pump laser 104. If the relative pump launch powers are not adjusted to take into account these loss variations, this can lead to a non-flat Raman gain spectrum.

[0026] Consider first the case where both Raman pump laser 102 and Raman pump laser 104 are turned off. For an optical signal, at λ signal traveling from optical tap 120 to optical tap 110, the inherent loss in the fiber span is equal to L0=P1/P2 where P2 is the power as measured in optical power meter 112 and P1 is the power as measured in optical power meter 122. Raman gain control unit 114 is programmed to calculate L0 based on power measurements from optical power meter 112 and optical power meter 122 when Raman pump laser 102 and 104 are off.

[0027] The second case is where Raman pump laser 102, operating at wavelength λ1 is turned on with power PL(λ1). The power of the optical signal is again measured with optical power meter 112 and optical power meter 122. The loss in the fiber span is again calculated as L1=P1/P2. Due to the gain from the Raman pump laser 102, L1 is smaller than L0. After coupling losses Lc(λ1), the Raman pump power coupled into fiber span 108 is Lc(λ1)PL(λ1). Theoretically, the Raman gain due to the presence of Raman pump laser 102 is given by the expression:

G 1 =exp└gfiberr(λsignal−λ1)LC(λ1)PL(λ1)Leff(λ1)┘

[0028] where gfiber is the power normalized peak Raman gain coefficient of fiber span 108, and r(λsignal−λ1) is the relative gain coefficient at the wavelength separation λsignal−λ1. In practice the value of G1=L0/L1. The power meter measurements provide a value G1 to Raman gain control unit 114. Leff(λ1) is the effective fiber length at wavelength λ1, which is calculated as Leff(λ1)=(1−exp(−α(λ1)*Lfiber))/α(λ1), where Lfiber is the length of the fiber span and α(λ1) is the fiber attenuation coefficient at wavelength λ1.

[0029] The third case occurs as Raman pump laser 102 is turned off and Raman pump laser 104 is turned on, operating at wavelength λ2 with power PL(λ2). The power of the optical signal is again measured with optical power meter 110 and optical power meter 122. The loss in the fiber span is now calculated as L2=P1/P2. Due to the gain from the Raman pump laser 104, L2 is smaller than L0. After coupling losses Lc(λ2), the Raman pump power coupled into fiber span 108 is Lc(λ2)PL(λ2). Theoretically, the Raman gain due to the presence of Raman pump laser 104 is given by the expression:

G 2 =exp└gfiberr(λsignal−λ2)LC(λ2)PL(λ2)Leff(λ2)┘

[0030] where gfiber is the power normalized peak Raman gain coefficient of fiber span 108, and r(λsignal−λ2) is the relative gain coefficient at the wavelength separation λsignal−λ2. Leff(λ2) is the effective fiber length at wavelength λ2, which is calculated as Leff(λ2)=(1−exp(−α(λ2)*Lfiber))/α(λ2), where Lfiber is the length of the fiber span and α(λ2) is the fiber attenuation coefficient at wavelength λ2. In practice the value of G2=L0/L2. The power meter measurements provide a value G2 to Raman gain control unit 114.

[0031] From G1 and G2, Raman gain control unit 114 will now calculate the ratio between the coupling and fiber losses for the two pump wavelengths: 1$\frac{L_{\mathrm{eff}}\left({\lambda }_1\right)L_C\left({\lambda }_1\right)}{L_{\mathrm{eff}}\left({\lambda }_2\right)L_C\left({\lambda }_2\right)}=\frac{\ln \left(G_1\right)r\left({\lambda }_{\mathrm{signal}}-{\lambda }_1\right)}{\ln \left(G_2\right)r\left({\lambda }_{\mathrm{signal}}-{\lambda }_2\right)}\frac{P_L\left({\lambda }_1\right)}{P_L\left({\lambda }_2\right)}$

[0032] “r” is the Raman coefficient and is taken as a known value which is independent of fiber type. Raman gain control unit 114 will use this loss ratio to adjust the relative power of Raman pump laser 102 to Raman pump laser 104 to yield a correct power ratio in fiber span 108 to achieve a flat Raman gain spectrum. The optimum ratio of the pump powers is determined based on simulations. These ratios depend on the fiber type, the wavelength range, span lengths and other parameters. The method described is used to ensure that these power ratios are true at the input to the fiber and also takes into account varying wavelength dependent span losses.

[0033] As will be clear to one skilled in the art, if it is advantageous produce a tilted Raman gain spectrum, with higher gain at either λ1 or λ2 then Raman gain control unit 114 can be programmed to adjust the relative powers to provide a tilted Raman gain spectrum. Additional Raman pump lasers and additional G measurements provide additional data to Raman control unit 114 and may be used to provide more complicated Raman spectral gain profiles.

[0034] In FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method of Raman gain control in accordance with one aspect of the invention. The method comprises a first step 210 of measuring the inherent loss of a fiber span 108 at a signal wavelength. For an optical signal traveling from optical tap 120 to optical tap 110, the inherent loss in the fiber span is equal to L0=P1/P2 where P2 is the power as measured in optical power meter 112 and P1 is the power as measured in optical power meter 122. Raman gain control unit 114 is programmed to calculate L0 based on power measurements from optical power meter 112 and optical power meter 122.

[0035] The method further comprises a second step 212 of measuring the gain, G1 of a fiber span due to a first Raman pump laser 102. Raman pump laser 102, operating at wavelength λ1 is turned on with power PL(λ1). The power of the optical signal is again measured with optical power meter 112 and optical power meter 122. The loss in the fiber span is now calculated as L1=P1/P2. Due to the gain from the Raman pump laser 102, L1 is smaller than L0. After coupling losses Lc(λ1), the Raman pump power coupled into fiber span 108 is Lc(λ1)PL(λ1). Theoretically, the Raman gain due to the presence of Raman pump laser 102 is given by the expression:

G 1 =exp└gfiberr(λsignal−λ1)LC(λ1)PL(λ1)Leff(λ1)┘

[0036] where gfiber is the power normalized peak Raman gain coefficient of fiber span 108, and r(λsignal−λ1) is the relative gain coefficient at the wavelength separation λsignal−λ1. Leff(λ1) is the effective fiber length at wavelength λ1, which is calculated as Leff(λ1)=(1−exp(−α(λ1)*Lfiber))/α(λ1), where Lfiber is the length of the fiber span and α(λ1) is the fiber attenuation coefficient at wavelength λ1. In practice the value of G1=L0/L1. The power meter measurements provide a value G1 to Raman gain control unit 114.

[0037] Step 214 of the method entails measuring the gain, G2 of a fiber span due to a second Raman pump laser 104. Raman pump laser 102 is now turned off, and Raman pump laser 104, operating at wavelength λ2 is turned on with power PL(λ2). The power of the optical signal is again measured with optical power meter 112 and optical power meter 122. The loss in the fiber span is now calculated as L1=P1/P2. Due to the gain from the Raman pump laser 102, L1 is smaller than L0. After coupling losses Lc(λ2), the Raman pump power coupled into fiber span 108 is Lc(λ2)PL(λ2). Theoretically, the Raman gain due to the presence of Raman pump laser 104 is given by the expression:

G 2 =exp└gfiberr(λsignal−λ2)LC(λ2)PL(λ2)Leff(λ2)┘

[0038] where gfiber is the power normalized peak Raman gain coefficient of fiber span 108, and r(λsignal−λ2) is the relative gain coefficient at the wavelength separation λsignal−λ2. Leff(λ2) is the effective fiber length at wavelength λ2, which is calculated as Leff(λ2)=(1−exp(−α(λ2)*Lfiber))/α(λ2), where Lfiber is the length of the fiber span and α(λ2) is the fiber attenuation coefficient at wavelength λ2. In practice, G2=L0/L1′. The power meter measurements provide a value G2 to Raman gain control unit 114.

[0039] Step 216 of the method entails Calculating relative coupling losses of first Raman pump laser and second Raman pump laser from G1 and G2. From G1 and G2, Raman gain control unit 114 will now calculate the ratio between the coupling and fiber losses for the two pump wavelengths: 2$\frac{L_{\mathrm{eff}}\left({\lambda }_1\right)L_C\left({\lambda }_1\right)}{L_{\mathrm{eff}}\left({\lambda }_2\right)L_C\left({\lambda }_2\right)}=\frac{\ln \left(G_1\right)r\left({\lambda }_{\mathrm{signal}}-{\lambda }_1\right)}{\ln \left(G_2\right)r\left({\lambda }_{\mathrm{signal}}-{\lambda }_2\right)}\frac{P_L\left({\lambda }_1\right)}{P_L\left({\lambda }_2\right)}$

[0040] “r” is the Raman coefficient and is taken as a known value which is independent of fiber type. Step 218 of the method entails Adjusting relative power in first and second Raman pump lasers for an advantageous gain spectral profile. Raman gain control unit 114 will use this loss ratio to adjust the relative power of Raman pump laser 102 to Raman pump laser 104 to yield a correct power ratio in fiber span 108 to achieve a flat Raman gain spectrum. The optimum ratio of the pump powers is determined based on simulations. These ratios depend on the fiber type, the wavelength range, span lengths and other parameters. The method described in the application is used to ensure that these power ratios are true at the input to the fiber and also takes into account varying wavelength dependent span losses.

[0041] As will be clear to one skilled in the art, if it is advantageous produce a tilted Raman gain spectrum, with higher gain at either λ1 or λ2 then Raman gain control unit 114 can be programmed to adjust the relative powers to provide a tilted Raman gain spectrum. Additional Raman pump lasers, and additional G measurements provide additional data to Raman control unit 114 and may be used to provide more complicated Raman spectral gain profiles.

[0042] While this invention has been described in reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is therefore intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.

Claims

1. A Raman gain spectral control system comprising: a fiber span having a first and second end including an optical coupler; a predetermined number of Raman pump lasers coupled to the coupler; a first optical power meter connected to the first end and to a Raman gain control unit; a second power meter connected to the second end and to the Raman gain control unit; the Raman gain control unit programmed to monitor the first and second optical power meter and adjust the levels of the Raman pump lasers to achieve a desired Raman gain spectrum.

2. The Raman gain spectral control system of claim 1 wherein the desired Raman gain spectrum is predominantly flat across a predetermined spectral range.

3. The Raman gain spectral control system of claim 1 wherein the desired Raman gain spectrum is predominantly tilted across a predetermined spectral range.

4. The Raman gain spectral control system of claim 1 wherein the microcontroller reads the first and second optical power meters with each Raman amplifier turned on independently.

5. The Raman gain spectral control system of claim 1 wherein said predetermined number of Raman pump lasers comprises first and second Raman pump lasers.

6. The Raman gain spectral control system of claim 3 wherein the Raman gain control unit is programmed to conduct the steps of: measuring the inherent span loss, L0; measuring the span loss with the first Raman laser turned off and the second Raman laser turned on, L1; measuring the span loss with the first Raman laser turned on and the second Raman laser turned off, L1′; calculating the gain for the first Raman laser according to the following equationG1=L0/L1calculating the gain for the second Raman laser according to the equationG2=L1′/L0Comparing G1 and G2 in a ratio to set the Raman gain spectrum.

7. The Raman gain spectral control system of claim 5 wherein the relative power of said first Raman pump laser and said second Raman laser is determined by the expression:

8. The Raman gain spectral control system of claim 1 wherein the pump powers of the Raman pump lasers and the optical signal counter-propagate.

9. The Raman gain spectral control system of claim 1 wherein the pump power of the Raman pump lasers and the optical signal co-propagate.

10. A method of Raman gain spectral control comprising the steps of: transmitting an optical signal in a fiber span, measuring the losses in the optical signal, transmitting a first Raman pump signal at a first wavelength in said fiber span, measuring the gain of the optical signal due to said first Raman pump signal, transmitting a second Raman pump signal at a second wavelength in the fiber span, measuring the gain of the optical signal due to said second Raman pump signal, adjusting the power of said first Raman pump signal and said second Raman pump signal to achieve an advantageous Raman gain spectrum.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the advantageous Raman gain spectrum is predominantly flat across a spectral range.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the advantageous Raman gain spectrum is predominantly tilted across a spectral range.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein a Raman gain control unit automatically adjusts the power of said first Raman pump signal and said second Raman pump signal to achieve the advantageous Raman gain spectrum.

14. A system for controlling the Raman gain of a signal comprising: a fiber span having a first and second tap and an interposed optical coupler; a first optical power meter operatively connected to the first tap; a second optical power meter operatively connected to the second tap; a first and second Raman pump lasers connected to the interposed optical coupler; a micro controller operatively connected to the first and second optical power meters and the first and second Raman pump lasers; whereby the micro controller reads the first and second optical power meters and adjusts the output of the first and second Raman pump lasers to a predetermined gain spectrum.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein the gain spectrum is approximately flat.

16. The system of claim 14 wherein the gain spectrum is tilted.

17. The system of claim 14 wherein the micro controller reads the optical power meters under the following conditions: first, when the first and second Raman pump lasers are off; second when the first Raman pump laser is off and the second Raman pump laser is on; third, when the firs Raman pump laser is on and the second Raman pump laser is off.

18. The system of claim 13 wherein the microcontroller uses a ratio of the power outputs of the first and second Raman pump lasers to adjust the gain spectrum.