Repetition Rate Requirements for Time-Division Multiplexed Raman Pumping

We quantify both theoretically and experimentally the speed requirements for tuning or switching the wavelength of Raman pumps in time-division multiplexed pumping schemes. Our results indicate that a periodic sweep-pattern has to be repeated at a rate above 10 kHz to achieve a temporal Raman gain variation of less than 1 dB at an average on/off Raman gain of 15 dB in 1`00 km of transmission fiber.