title: Multimode fiber amplifier with tunable modal gain using a reconfigurable multimode pump.
abstract: We propose a method for controlling modal gain in a multimode Erbium-doped fiber amplifier (MM-EDFA) by tuning the mode content of a multimode pump. By adjusting the powers and orientation of input pump modes, modal dependent gain can be tuned over a large dynamic range. Performance impacts due to excitation of undesired pump modes, mode coupling and macro-bending loss within the erbium-doped fiber are also investigated. The MM-EDFA may potentially be a key element for long haul mode-division multiplexed transmission.
authors.affiliation: College of Optics & Photonics/CREOL&FPCE, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32816-2700, USA. bneng@creol.ucf.edu
authors.forename: Neng
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bai
authors.forename: Ezra
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ip
authors.forename: Ting
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Guifang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Li