Multistage single clad 2  μm TDFA with a shared L-band pump source

We report the experimental performance and simulation of a multiwatt two-stage TDFA using an L-band (1567 nm) shared pump source. We focus on the behavior of the amplifier for the parameters of output power P , gain G, noise figure NF, signal wavelength λ , and dynamic range. We measure the spectral performance of the TDFA for three specific wavelengths (λ =1909, 1952, and 2004 nm) chosen to cover the low-, mid-, and upper-wavelength operating regions of the wideband amplifier. We also compare the performance of the two-stage shared pump TDFA with a representative one-stage shared pump amplifier. A comparison of experimental results with simulation is presented.