Noise Figure Study for a 3-Stage Hybrid Amplifier Using Parametric Wavelength Converters and EDFA

Abstract

We explore the potential of a combination of two fiber parametric wavelength converters and an erbium-doped fiber amplifier to serve as a hybrid amplifier for S-band. We experimentally confirm the validity of a simple quantum model of the wavelength-converter noise figure (NF) and use it to extrapolate the measurement results and find the optimum hybrid amplifier settings. We find that the total NF can be below 6 dB, if the wavelength conversion efficiency of the first stage is above 4 dB. Furthermore, the total NF can be as low as 4 dB, if the conversion efficiency of the first stage is 10 dB or higher. Finally, we estimate the potential impact of pump relative noise on the NF.