Apparatus and method for Raman gain control
AssigneePivotal Decisions LLC
InventorMichael H. Eiselt
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods for controlling a Raman amplifier by measuring power at one end of an optical fiber span. The Raman amplifier may include a laser that pumps an optical signal into the optical fiber span. The Raman amplifier may be connected to a controller that receives backscatter measurements. The controller may then adjust the Raman amplifier to maintain the backscatter substantially constant.
Claims22
A system for controlling Raman gain of an optical signal in an optical fiber span comprising:
- an optical power meter connected to the optical fiber span;
- a Raman gain controller connected to the optical power meter;
- and
- a Raman pump laser connected to the Raman gain controller, wherein the Raman pump laser is configured to produce Raman pump power, and
- wherein the Raman gain controller is configured to read at least a portion of a backscatter of the Raman pump power via the optical power meter and to adjust the Raman pump laser to keep the backscatter substantially constant.
A method of controlling Raman gain in a fiber span comprising:
- transmitting a Raman pump power on the fiber span via a Raman pump laser;
- transmitting an optical signal on the fiber span;
- measuring at least a portion of a backscatter power associated with the Raman pump power;
- and
- adjusting a Raman gain of the Raman pump laser to maintain the backscatter power substantially constant.
A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer executable instructions for controlling Raman gain in a fiber span, the computer executable instructions comprising instructions for:
- transmitting a Raman pump power on the fiber span via a Raman pump laser;
- measuring at least a portion of a backscatter power associated with the Raman pump power;
- and
- adjusting a Raman gain of the Raman pump laser to maintain the backscatter power substantially constant.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.