Table of Contents:

Definition and Overview

1. Traditional Configuration of WDM Systems

2. How Can Raman Amplification Be of Help?

3. Erbium-Doped Fiber versus Raman Amplification

4. Raman Amplification in Wideband WDM Transmission

5. Raman Amplification to Build Bidirectional WDM Systems

6. Raman Amplification and Fiber Nonlinearities

7. Conclusion

Self-Test

Glossary

PDF of this tutorial

Definition
Raman amplification is based on stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), a nonlinear effect in fiber-optical transmission that results in signal amplification if optical pump waves with the correct wavelength and power are launched into the fiber.

Overview
This tutorial gives an introduction into the complex design issues of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems applying Raman amplification. It first presents an overview of traditional WDM systems, predicts problems that might arise for future configurations, and shows how Raman amplification could be of help. Then, a behavioral description of SRS is provided, and repeater designs are discussed. Finally, several system examples are shown to demonstrate typical fields of applications of Raman amplification.