Abstract
The noise figure (NF) is one of the primary metrics used in characterizing an optical amplifier, but it is a difficult parameter to determine. The difficulty arises in measuring the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise level in the presence of a large input signal. One method of measuring the NF involves fitting a curve to the ASE spectrum in the region around the signal wavelength. and then using this fit to interpolate the ASE noise level at that wavelength.1 We report here on a new method of measuring NF by using the polarization properties of the signal and the noise. Results from this polarization-nulling technique are compared with those using the curve-fitting method, as well as to those predicted by theory.
© 1992 Optical Society of America
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