EDFA transient response to channel loss in WDM transmission system

The effects of channel loss on an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) in an eight-channel WDM network are investigated. For the loss of 1, 4, or 7 channels, the surviving channels suffer power transients which can be both large and relatively fast. The experiments agree well with a simple analytical model of the amplifier. Pump control, if it is fast enough, is demonstrated to limit the power excursion of the surviving channels.