New WDM amplified network for optical sensor multiplexing

Abstract

A wavelength-division-multiplexing system for optical sensors with hybrid star-bus topology is shown experimentally. The star section of the network is formed by an erbium-doped fiber ring laser used as simultaneous-multiple-wavelength-operation source and distribution scheme. This topology is compared to an amplified double-bus configuration with a single-wavelength tunable source. Signal power, signal-to-noise ratio, and crosstalk are analyzed for both structures. Practical limitations of both schemes are also discussed.