New WDM amplified network for optical sensor multiplexing

A wavelength-division-multiplexing system for optical sensors with hybrid s tar-bus topology is shown experimentally. The star section of the network i s formed by an erbium-doped fiber ring laser used as simultaneous-multiple- wavelength-operation source and distribution scheme. This topology is compa red to an amplified double-bus configuration with a single-wavelength tunab le source. Signal power, signal-to-noise ratio, and crosstalk are analyzed for both structures. Practical limitations of both schemes are also discuss ed.