Stimulated raman scattering in fiber optic systems

Abstract
The effect of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in fiber optic communications is considered. On one hand, SRS limits the launch power in a multiple-channel communication system; while on the other hand, SRS can provide optical amplification in the 1.3-μm and 1.55-μm windows. In most of the previous work these issues have been treated separately by using different assumptions. A solution is usually obtained by solving differential equations. We present a numerical method that involves the simultaneous solution of integral equations describing SRS in optical fiber. The method is general enough to be applicable for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), optic frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), and optical amplification. However, it is efficient and simple to program and uses just a few realistic assumptions. A WDM communication system with 10 optical channels in the 1.55-μm window is studied by using this method, The data rate is above 1 Gbps. The system parameters are such that the other nonlinear effects, such as stimulated Brillouin scattering and four-wave mixing, are less significant for the system. Launch power limitations imposed by SRS are investigated for IM / DD and coherent systems. The receiver dynamic range over the wavelengths of interest is an important factor in determining the launch power limitations. An optical amplifier in the 1.3-μm window is also analyzed. The two-pump technique is investigated. With pump power levels of about 500 mw 0-dB gain can be achieved for a 30-km repeaterless link. Finally, the calculated results agree with the experiments.