A numerical model for the analysis of the continuous wave operation of
an erbium doped fiber ring laser is presented. The model has been obt
ained by developing the so called spectral one already presented for t
he analysis of erbium doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA). In particular the
approach has been modified to account for the cyclical propagation of
the field in the ring laser. The effects of multi-wavelength signals
propagating within the laser cavity have been analyzed both in linear
and in saturated gain regime. Numerical simulations provide interestin
g information on the spectral behavior as well as important parameters
for device analysis and design as, for example, the lasing wavelength
and the output power. Comparisons with experimental data confirm the
validity of the approach and the correctness of the numerical solution
s. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.