Abstract

The next generation of undersea lightwave transmission systems will be based on erbium-doped fiber amplifier technology.¹ Systems using repeaters composed of optical amplifiers are attractive alternatives to regenerated systems for several reasons. High-speed integrated circuits suitable for undersea use limit the transmission capacity of regenerative systems. Unlike regenerators, repeaters based on optical amplifiers do not require any high-speed electronics and therefore can offer a capacity advantage. This capacity advantage can be achieved upon installation of the system or via an upgrade later in the system life. The inherent bit rate and modulation format independence of optical amplifiers allows capacity upgrades that require only a change in the transmission terminals; the undersea plant remains intact. Also, in principle, repeaters based on optical amplifiers require simpler and fewer components than regenerative repeaters; fewer components translate into lower cost and increased reliability. Figure 1 illustrates a possible undersea transmission system utilizing optical amplifiers.

© 1992 Optical Society of America