Minimization of gain error due to Spectral Hole Burning using HGC-EDFA with generalized dynamic gain range

The Effect of SHB (Spectral Hole Burning) at EDFAs (Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers) was verified and a innovative technique for this effect compensation was proposed. To a hybrid gain controlled EDFA, with all-optical and electrical gain control mechanisms operating simultaneously, the proposed technique enable a deep minimization (eliminating in some cases) of SHB effects trough the joint actuation at pump and control laser maintaining the EDFA set-point gain, minimizing SHB effect. Experimental obtained results shows a reduction in hole depth induced by SHB as a function of control laser efficiency, enabling the hole elimination. A tradeoff between SHB minimization and EDFA output power compression was verified and reported.