Gain clamped erbium-doped fiber amplifiers-modeling and experiment

A spectrum-resolved numerical model for the gain clamped EDFA is developed. Good agreement between the model and experimental results is achieved. The model results reveal the gain, clamped gain spectral distribution and noise figure characteristics of the amplifier. The model is used to optimize the selection of the clamped amplifier laser wavelength and laser output coupling to minimize the noise figure.