Configurability of a three-wavelength Raman fiber laser for gain ripple minimization and power partitioning

The performance of a 3λRFL with variable OC reflectivities was investigated in 60 km, 100 km and 140 km transmission spans. The data indicates that this device is practical and can provide stable broadband optical amplification. A gain ripple minimum of 1.1 dB in a 100 km span, in agreement with simulations, is achieved with an OC voltage precision of 25 mV. The gain ripple Î"G and power partition deviation Î"ρ voltage sensitivities were found to be ∼0.01 dB/mV and ∼0.04%/mV, respectively. This low sensitivity means control of the output powers of a multi wavelength RFL is not considerably more complicated than controlling multiplexed individual lasers.