Optical communication systems are the backbone of current communication network as they allow fast and reliable information exchange. However, the advent of new generation applications and services require an ever increasing demand for higher capacity, lower cost, and lower energy consumption. According to discussions in [1], because of the difference in the growth rates between the fiber capacity and the traffic demand, there is expected to be a capacity shortage within the next decade.

Among several options for increasing the capacity of installed optical fibers, exploiting new wavelength bands appears to be a promising and economical solution. Extending the transmission bandwidth from conventional band (C-band) to multi-band (MB), researchers are aiming to transmit information over the entire single mode fiber spectrum. This will increase the optical capacity and thus postpone the need to deploy new fibers.

Throughout this seminar, using the work of [2], optical amplification techniques for different optical bands should known.

Then, the main task of the student is to study [3] and understand the characteristic properties of the semiconductor optical amplifiers for ultrawide band transmissions, investingating its difference from commonly practiced C-band WDM systems. 

A written report and a presentation are the expected of the students.

[1] Essiambre, René-Jean and Robert W. Tkach. “Capacity Trends and Limits of Optical Communication Networks.” Proceedings of the IEEE 100 (2012): 1035-1055.

[2] L. Rapp and M. Eiselt, "Optical Amplifiers for Multi–Band Optical Transmission Systems," in Journal of Lightwave Technology, vol. 40, no. 6, pp. 1579-1589

[3] J. Renaudier and A. Ghazisaeidi, "Scaling Capacity Growth of Fiber-Optic Transmission Systems Using 100+nm Ultra-Wideband Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers," in Journal of Lightwave Technology, vol. 37, no. 8, pp. 1831-1838, 15 April15, 2019, doi: 10.1109/JLT.2019.2894579.

Background knowledge in optical communication systems is recommended.