Skip to main content

NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.

Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Precision Metrology for Fiber-Amplifier Noise Figure Traceable to a RIN Standard

Published

Author(s)

Gregory E. Obarski, Paul D. Hale

Abstract

We developed high-precision metrology for fiber-amplifier noise figure based on application of a relative intensity noise (RIN) standard to the RIN subtraction method. Calibration of a RIN/noise figure measurement system using the standard yields a typical standard uncertainty of <0.25 dB for frequency-resolved noise figure measurements (in the range 0.1-1.1 GHz). The RIN calibration source can either be a DFB laser having practically Poisson-limited RIN, or a thermal light source, such as amplified-spontaneous emission from an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) that is narrow-pass-band filtered (uncertainty <= 0.1 dB/Hz). Thus, an EDFA whose noise figure is to be determined can be used to perform the RIN calibration (as long as it is devoid of multiple path interference). Results obtained from a second electrical method (reported accuracy +/- 0.3 dB) agree to within +/- 0.2 dB.
Citation
Journal of Lightwave Technology

Keywords

amplifier, laser noise, optical noise, relative intensity noise

Citation

Obarski, G. and Hale, P. (2004), Precision Metrology for Fiber-Amplifier Noise Figure Traceable to a RIN Standard, Journal of Lightwave Technology (Accessed October 12, 2025)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].

Created August 15, 2004, Updated October 12, 2021
Was this page helpful?