IEC 61290-1:2014

IEC 61290-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2014-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Optical amplifiers – Test methods –
Part 1: Power and gain parameters

Amplificateurs optiques – Méthodes d’essai –
Partie 1: Paramètres de puissance et de gain

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IEC 61290-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2014-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Optical amplifiers – Test methods –

Part 1: Power and gain parameters

Amplificateurs optiques – Méthodes d’essai –

Partie 1: Paramètres de puissance et de gain

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX N
ICS 33.180.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-1991-1

– 2 – IEC 61290-1:2014  IEC 2014
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope and object . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Acronyms and abbreviations . 6
4 Optical power and gain test method . 6
5 Optical power and gain parameters . 6
6 Test results . 11
Bibliography . 14

Figure 1 – Typical behaviour of the gain as a function of the input signal power . 7
Figure 2 – Typical behaviour of the gain as a function of the wavelength . 7
Figure 3 – Typical behaviour of the gain as a function of the temperature . 8
Figure 4 – Typical behaviour of the gain as a function of the wavelength . 9
Figure 5 – Typical behaviour of the gain fluctuation as a function of time . 9
Figure 6 – Typical behaviour of the output power fluctuation as a function of time . 10
Figure 7 – Typical behaviour of the gain as a function of the input signal power . 11
Figure 8 – Typical behaviour of the output power as a function of the input signal
power . 11

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
OPTICAL AMPLIFIERS –
TEST METHODS –
Part 1: Power and gain parameters

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
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Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
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with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61290-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 86C: Fibre optic
systems and active devices, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
CDV Report on voting
86C/1188/CDV 86C/1258/RVC
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

– 4 – IEC 61290-1:2014  IEC 2014
A list of all parts in the IEC 61290 series, published under the general title Optical amplifiers –
Test methods, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
OPTICAL AMPLIFIERS –
TEST METHODS –
Part 1: Power and gain parameters

1 Scope and object
This part of 61290 applies to all commercially available optical amplifiers (OAs) and optically
amplified subsystems. It applies to OAs using optically pumped fibres (OFAs based on either
rare-earth doped fibres or on the Raman effect), semiconductors (SOAs), and waveguides
(POWAs).
NOTE 1 The applicability of the test methods described in the present standard to distributed Raman amplifiers is
still under study.
The object of this standard is to establish uniform requirements for accurate and reliable
measurements of the following OA parameters, as defined in Clause 3 of IEC 61291-1:2012:
a) nominal output signal power;
b) gain;
c) reverse gain;
d) maximum gain;
e) maximum gain wavelength;
f) maximum gain variation with temperature;
g) gain wavelength band;
h) gain wavelength variation;
i) gain stability;
j) polarization-dependent gain;
k) large-signal output stability;
l) saturation output power;
m) maximum output signal power;
n) maximum total output power.
NOTE 2 All numerical values followed by (‡).are suggested values for which the measurement is assured. Other
values are acceptable if verified.
The object of this standard is specifically directed to single-channel amplifiers. For
multichannel amplifiers, one should refer to the IEC 61290-10 series.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 61290-1-1, Optical amplifiers – Test methods – Part 1-1: Power and gain parameters –
Optical spectrum analyzer method
IEC 61290-1-2, Optical amplifiers – Test methods – Part 1-2: Power and gain parameters –
Electrical spectrum analyzer method

– 6 – IEC 61290-1:2014  IEC 2014
IEC 61290-1-3, Optical amplifiers – Test methods – Part 1-3: Power and gain parameters –
Optical power meter method
IEC 61291-1:2012, Optical amplifiers – Part 1: Generic specification
3 Acronyms and abbreviations
ASE amplified spontaneous emission
OA optical amplifier
OFA optical fibre amplifier
SOA semiconductor optical amplifier
FWHM full width at half maximum
OSA optical spectrum analyzer
4 Optical power and gain test method
Three commonly practised procedures for quantifying the optical power and gain of an OA are
considered in this standard.
The aim of the first procedure (see IEC 61290-1-1) is to determine the optical power and gain
by means of the optical spectrum analyzer test method.
The aim of the second procedure (see IEC 61290-1-2) is to determine the optical power and
gain by means of an optical detector and an electrical spectrum analyzer.
The aim of the third procedure (see IEC 61290-1-3) is to determine the optical power and gain
by means of an optical power meter and an optical bandpass filter.
5 Optical power and gain parameters
The parameters listed below are required for gain and power:
a) Nominal output signal power: The nominal output signal power is given by the minimum
output signal optical power, for an input signal optical power specified in the relevant
detail specification, and under nominal operating conditions, given in the relevant detail
specification. To find this minimum value, input and output signal power levels shall be
continuously monitored for a given duration of time and in presence of changes in the
state of polarization and other instabilities, as specified in the relevant detail specification.
The measurement procedures and calculations are described in each test method.
b) Gain: The measurement procedures and calculations are described in each test method.
c) Reverse gain: As in b), but with the OA operating with the input port used as output port
and vice-versa.
d) Maximum gain: As in b), but use a wavelength-tuneable optical source, repeat all
procedures at different wavelengths in a way to cover the wavelength range specified in
the relevant detail specification.
Unless otherwise specified, the wavelength should be changed by steps smaller than 1 nm
(‡) around the wavelength where the ASE spectral profile, observed (e.g. with an optical
spectrum analyzer or a monochromator) without the input signal, takes its maximum value.
NOTE 1 A wavelength measurement accuracy of ±0,01 nm, within the operating wavelength range of the OA,
is attainable with commercially available wavelength meters based on interference-fringes counting techniques.
Some tuneable external-cavity laser-diode instruments provide a wavelength measurement accuracy of
±0,2 nm.
The gain values are measured at the different wavelengths as described in b) above. The
maximum gain shall be given by the highest of all these gain values at nominal operating

condition. Figure 1 shows the typical behaviour of the gain as a function of the input signal
power.
Small-signal gain
Linear region
Input signal power  (dBm)
IEC
Figure 1 – Typical behaviour of the gain as a function of the input signal power
e) Maximum gain wavelength: As in d) above, the maximum gain wavelength shall be the
wavelength at which the maximum gain occurs. Refer to Figure 2 for typical gain
behaviour for different wavelengths.
Maximum gain
N dB
Gain wavelength band
Maximum gain wavelength
Signal wavelength  (nm)
IEC
Figure 2 – Typical behaviour of the gain as a function of the wavelength
f) Maximum gain variation with temperature: The maximum change of signal gain for a
certain specified temperature range. The measurement procedures and calculations are
described below shall be followed, with reference to the measurement set-up and
procedure for each test method:
1) As described in b), measure the maximum gain G within the variation of
max-Tmp
temperature, as specified in the relevant detail specification.
2) As described in b), measure the minimum gain G within the variation of
min-Tmp
temperature, as specified in the relevant detail specification.
3) Maximum gain variation with temperature ∆G is given by the following formula:
tmp
∆G = G – G (dB) [1]
tmp max-tmp min-tmp
Refer to Figure 3.
Gain variation with temperature may depend on the signal wavelength owing to its
active fibre characteristics. The wavelength at which the parameter is specified and
measured should be stated.
Signal gain  (dB)
Signal gain (dB)
– 8 – IEC 61290-1:2014  IEC 2014

G
max-tmp
∆G
tmp
Gain variation with
temperature
G
min-tmp
Specified temperature range
T T
min max
Temperature  (°C)
IEC
Figure 3 – Typical behaviour of the gain as a function of the temperature
g) Gain wavelength band: Measure the maximum gain as described in d). Identify those
wavelengths at which the gain is N dB below the maximum gain. The gain wavelength
band shall be given by the wavelength interval(s) comprised between those wavelengths
within which the gain is comprised between the maximum gain value and a value N dB
below the maximum gain. Calculations are processed according to the following procedure.
1) Plot the gain of each wavelength to the gains of adjacent wavelengths as shown in
Figure 2.
2) Draw a horizontal line N -dB down from the maximum gain point.
3) The two or more intersection points define the gain wavelength band. The minimum
difference in N -dB down wavelengths is gain wavelength band.
NOTE 2 A value of N = 3 is typically applied.
h) Gain wavelength variation: Measure the maximum gain and minimum gain over the
specified measurement wavelength range as described in d). The gain variation shall be
the difference between the maximum and the minimum gain values. Calculations are
processed according to the following procedure.
1) Plot the gain of each wavelength as shown in Figure 4.
2) Find the maximum gain, G (dB) within wavelength band.
max-l
3) Find the minimum gain, G (dB) within wavelength band.
min-l
4) Calculate the gain wavelength variation, ∆G (dB) by the following formula:
l
∆G = G – G (dB) [2]
l max-l min-l
Signal gain  (dB)
G
max-l
∆G
l
Gain
wavelength
variation
G
min-l
Wavelength band
l l
min max
Signal wavelength  (nm)
IEC
Figure 4 – Typical behaviour of the gain as a function of the wavelength
i) Gain stability: The maximum degree of gain fluctuation of the maximum and minimum
signal gain, for a certain specified test period, as specified in the relevant detail
specification. The measurement procedure and calculations described below shall be
followed with reference to the measurement set-up for each test method. Refer to Figure 5
for typical behaviour of the gain fluctuation.
1) As for b), measure the maximum gain G for a certain specified test period,
max-stability
as specified in the relevant detail specification.
2) As for b), measure the minimum gain G for a certain specified test period, as
min-stability
specified in the relevant detail specification.
3) Gain stability ∆G (dB) is given by the following formula:
stability
∆G = G – G (dB) [3]
stability max-stability min-stability

G
max-stability
∆G
stability
Gain
stability
G
min-stability
Test Period
T T
start end
Time  (s or min)
IEC
Figure 5 – Typical behaviour of the gain fluctuation as a function of time
j) Polarization-dependent gain: Gain values at the different states of polarization as
described in b). Procedure and calculations are described in each test method.
k) Large-signal output stability: The maximum degree of gain fluctuation of the maximum and
minimum output optical power, for a certain specified test period, as specified in the
relevant detail specification. The measurement procedure and calculations described
Signal gain  (dB)
Signal gain  (dB)
– 10 – IEC 61290-1:2014  IEC 2014
below shall be followed, with reference to the measurement set-up for each test method.
Refer to Figure 6 for typical behaviour of the output power fluctuation.
1) As described in a) above, measure the maximum output signal power
P for a certain specified test period, at a given wavelength and maximum
max-stability
signal input power, as specified in the relevant detail specification.
2) As described in a) above, measure the minimum output signal power
P for a certain specified test period, at a given wavelength and maximum
min-stability
signal input power, as specified in the relevant detail specification.
3) Compare P with P , and subtract P from P to
max-stability min-stability min-stability max-stability
obtain large signal output stability.
(dB) is given by the following formula:
4) Large-signal output stability ∆P
stability
∆P = P – P (dB) [4]
stability max-stability min-stability
P
max-stability
∆P
stability
Power
stability
P
min-stability
Test period
T
T
start end
Time  (s or min)
IEC
Figure 6 – Typical behaviour of the output power fluctuation as a function of time
l) Saturation output power: The measurement procedure described below shall be followed
with reference to the measurement set-up for each test method. The saturation output
power above which the gain is reduced by N dB (typically N = 3) with respect to the small-
signal gain at the signal wavelength. Calculations are processed according to the
following procedure.
1) Plot gain vs. input power as described in d). Refer to Figure 7 for typical behaviour of
the gain.
2) Plot the output power vs. input power. Refer to Figure 8 for typical behaviour of the
output power.
3) Find the gain G (dB) which is N-dB smaller than small signal gain under linear gain
sat
region.
4) Find the input power P (dBm) which produce the gain G .
in-sat sat
5) Find the output power P (dBm) at the input power P .
out-sat in-sat
6) P gives the saturation output power.
out-sat
NOTE 3 A value of N = 3 is typically applied.
Output power  (dBm)
G
max
N dB
G
sat
Linear region
P
in-sat
Input power  (dBm)
IEC
Figure 7 – Typical behaviour of the gain as a function of the input signal power

P
out-sat
P
in-sat
Input power  (dBm)
IEC
Figure 8 – Typical behaviour of the output power as a function of the input signal power
m) Maximum output signal power: The measurement procedure and calculations are
described in each test method.
n) Maximum total output power: The measurement procedure and calculations are described
in each test method.
6 Test results
Test results are as follows:
a) Nominal optical signal power:
The following details shall be presented:
Signal gain  (dB)
Output signal power  (dBm)
– 12 – IEC 61290-1:2014  IEC 2014
1) arrangement of the test set-up;
2) spectral linewidth (FWHM) of the optical source;
3) indication of the optical pump power and possibly driving current of pump lasers for
OFAs, and injection current for SOAs (if applicable);
4) operating temperature (if required);
5) input signal optical power, P ;
in
6) time-averaged input signal power (if applicable);
7) resolution bandwidth of the optical spectrum analyzer (if applicable);
8) resolution bandwidth of the electrical spectrum analyzer (if applicable);
9) FWHM of the optical bandpass filter (if applicable);
10) central wavelength of the optical bandpass filter (if applicable);
11) wavelength of the measurement;
12) nominal optical signal power levels, P;
13) change in the state of polarization given to the input signal light.
b) Gain: Details 1) to 11), previously listed for nominal optical signal power levels, shall be
presented and, in addition:
12) gain
Parameters 5) and 12) may be replaced with the gain versus input optical signal power
curve.
c) Reverse gain: Details 1) to 11), previously listed for gain, shall be presented and, in
addition:
12) reverse gain
Parameters 5) and 12) may be replaced with the reverse gain versus input optical signal
power curve.
d) Maximum gain: Details 1) to 11), previously listed for gain, shall be presented and, in
addition:
12) wavelength range of the measurement;
13) maximum gain.
Parameters 5) and 13) may be replaced with the maximum gain versus input optical signal
power curve.
e) Maximum gain wavelength: Details 1) to 11), previously listed for gain, shall be presented
and, in addition:
12) wavelength range of the measurement;
13) wavelength measurement accuracy;
14) maximum gain wavelength.
Parameters 12) and 14) may be replaced with the gain versus input signal wavelength
curve.
f) Maximum gain variation with temperature: Details 1) to 11), previously listed for gain, shall
be presented and, in addition:
12) the maximum and minimum gain with temperature, G and G
max-tmp min-tmp
13) maximum gain variation with temperature
g) Gain wavelength band: Details 1) to 11), previously listed for gain, shall be presented and,
in addition:
12) wavelength range of the measurement;
13) wavelength measurement accuracy;
14) gain wavelength band;
15) the N value chosen for the determination of the wavelength bandwidth.
Parameters 12) and 14) and 15) may be replaced with the gain versus input signal
wavelength curve.
h) Gain wavelength variation: Details 1) to 11), previously listed for gain, shall be presented
and, in addition:
12) wavelength range of the measurement;
13) wavelength measurement accuracy of the optical spectrum analyzer;
14) gain variation.
Parameters 12) and 14) may be replaced with the gain versus input signal wavelength
curve.
i) Gain stability: Details 1) to 11), previously listed for gain, shall be presented and, in
addition:
12) the maximum and minimum gain, G and G ;
max-stability min-stability
13) gain stability.
j) Polarization-dependent gain: Details 1) to 11), previously listed for gain, shall be
presented and, in addition:
12) polarization dependency of the apparatus for detecting optical power for each test
method;
13) the maximum and minimum gain, G and G ;
max-pol min-pol
14) polarization-dependent gain;
15) change in the state of polarization given to the input signal light.
k) Large-signal output stability: Details 1) to 11), previously listed for gain, shall be
presented and, in addition:
12) the maximum and minimum output power P and P ;
max-stability min-stability
13) large-signal output stability.
l) Saturation output power: Details 1) to 11), previously listed for gain, shall be presented
and, in addition:
12) saturation figure N;
13) saturation gain G ;
sat
14) saturation input power P ;
in-sat
15) saturation output power P
out-sat.
m) Maximum output signal power: Details 1) to 11), p
...