Optimizing semiconductor optical amplifiers for transmission systems

The performance of semiconductor optical amplifiers in a optical fibre transmission system is studied experimentally in terms of the amplifier figure-of-merit, which depends on saturation power, noise figure, and gain. In conclusion, the figure-of-merit of semiconductor optical in-line amplifiers, which is defined by its saturation power, noise figure and gain, determines their performance in a transmission system. Adjusting the amplifier length and temperature mainly influences the optical gain.