DESIGN OF MULTIWAVELENGTH OPTICAL COMMUNICATION-SYSTEMS BASED ON AN INTEGRATED WAVE-GUIDE AMPLIFIER COMPENSATOR

We theoretically analyze the performance of long-haul multichannel opt ical communication systems based on an integrated WDM power level comp ensator. By placing an array of Er3+-Yb3+ co-doped silica waveguides i n parallel between a demultiplexer/multiplexer pair and preceeding it by an EDFA, we demonstrate the possibility of transmitting eight unequ ally spaced WDM channels over long distances, without electronic regen erators and using span lengths as high as 50 Km. This technique allows substantial reduction of both four-wave mixing crosstalk and gain pea king.