Efficient stationary model for erbium-doped optical amplifiers: Numerical and experimental comparisons

An efficient model for erbium-doped optical amplifiers is presented in this paper. This model, based on an iterative finite-element stationary (modal analysis) scheme in conjunction with a suitable multilevel rate equations s ystem, permits a direct computation of the complex propagation constant bet a. In addition, the use of absorption/emission cross-section parameters per mits the computation of the gain, related to Im{beta}, and induced nonlinea rities, related to Re{beta}, over a wideband spectrum (1.40-1.65 mu m). Sin ce up-conversion and cross-relaxation effects are taken into account, the m odel is also able to analyze highly doped waveguides. Comparisons with othe r approach and experimental data validate this model. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.