Raman amplifier system and method with integrated optical time domain reflectometer

摘要

Raman amplifier systems and methods with an integrated Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) for integrated testing functionality include an amplifier system, an OTDR and telemetry subsystem, and a method of operation. The OTDR and telemetry subsystem is configured to operate in an OTDR mode when coupled to a line in port and to operate in a telemetry mode when coupled to a line out port. The OTDR and telemetry subsystem enables on-demand fiber testing while also operating as a telemetry channel that is both a redundant optical service channel (OSC) and provides a mechanism to monitor Raman gain over time. The OTDR and telemetry subsystem minimizes cost and space by sharing major optical and electrical components between the integrated OTDR and other functions on the Raman amplifier.

主权项

1. An amplifier system, comprising:
at least one Raman pump laser optically coupled to a line in port; and an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) and telemetry subsystem selectively optically coupled to the line in port and a line out port, wherein the line out port connects to a second line in port, each of the line out port and the second line in port are connected to a first fiber, and the line in port connects to a second line out port, wherein each of the line in port and the second line out port are connected to a second fiber, and wherein the OTDR and telemetry subsystem is configured to operate in an OTDR mode for the second fiber when coupled to the line in port and to operate in a telemetry mode for the first fiber when coupled to the line out port to measure gain due to the at least one Raman pump laser.