title: Gain-clamped S-band discrete Raman amplifier.
abstract: We demonstrate the advantages of an optically gain-clamped S-band discrete Raman amplifier: low gain variation over a large input dynamic range, effective suppression of Raman transients, and amplifier instability in the strong-pump-weak-signal configuration. We further investigate experimentally the operating conditions necessary for effective gain clamping and demonstrate gain flattening over 30 nm of bandwidth. Thus a gain-clamped discrete Raman amplifier shows promise for practical deployment.
authors.affiliation: Stanford University, 058 David Packard EE Building, MC 9515, Stanford, California 94305, USA. scott.yam@stanford.edu
authors.forename: Scott S H
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Yam
authors.forename: Michel E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Marhic
authors.forename: Youichi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Akasaka
authors.forename: Leonid G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Kazovsky