Abstract

The optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) is the key performance parameter in optical networks that predicts the bit error rate (BER) of the system. Until now, OSNR measurements and calibration have been performed using an interplation method. In this case, the OSNR is obtained by measuring the total signal power in the channel passband and the noise power (ASE noise) in the gaps between the optical channels (normalized to a 0.1 nm bandwidth). This method is termed the linear interpolation method since the noise power is averaged from the ASE noise, which is present to the left and to the right of the optical channel (Figure 1).

© 2007 Optical Society of America