Method and apparatus for determining the absolute noise figure o

Details Method and apparatus for determining the absolute noise figure o Method and apparatus for determining the absolute noise figure o

1990-11-13

1992-03-10

Mullins, James B.

Amplifiers

With amplifier condition indicating or testing means

324 77K, 330 59, H03F 1700, G01R 2300

Patent

active

050952811

ABSTRACT:
A test apparatus and method is disclosed for determining the absolute noise figure of an optical amplifier. The apparatus comprises an optical receiver and functions to measure the output power of a test noise source, such as a lamp or LED. A plot of input power versus output power yields a linear relationship, with a y-intercept at the test apparatus (first) noise floor (N.sub.0). An optical amplifier to be tested is then inserted in the signal path between the noise source and the receiver. A new plot is generated and a second system noise floor value is determined (N.sub.1). The difference between the two noise floor values (N.sub.1 -N.sub.0) is then defined as the amplifier absolute noise figure (N.sub.A). The inventive technique is equally applicable to semiconductor and fiber optical amplifiers.

REFERENCES:
patent: 5034678 (1991-07-01), Eichen et al.
"5.2 dB Noise Figure in a 1.5 .mu.m InGaAsP . . . ", Elec. Lett., vol. 23, No. 5, Feb. 1987, T. Mukai et al., pp. 216-218.
"Wavelength Dependence of Noise Figure . . . ", Elec. Lett., vol. 24, No. 2, Jan. 1988, M. G. Oberg et al., pp. 99-100.
"Measurement of Semiconductor Laser Amplifier Noise Figure . . . ", Elec. Lett., vol. 25, No. 25, Dec. 1989, pp. 1681-1682.

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