BS EN 61290-10-3:2003

What is BS EN 61290-10-3- Probe methods about? 

BS EN 61290-10-3 is a part of an international standard that discusses test methods of optical amplifiers. 

BS EN 61290-10-3 applies to commercially available optical fiber amplifiers (OFAs) using active fibers containing rare-earth dopants. 

BS EN 61290-10-3 describes the test methods that use small-signal probes to obtain the multichannel gain and noise parameters while one or more lasers set the saturation condition for the OFA. These methods are classified as ‘indirect’, in which there is not a laser source at each wavelength of the multichannel plan. Multichannel parameters are estimated from the probe data. 

Note: The probe techniques described in BS EN 61290-10-3 are indirect in that laser sources, are not required at each channel frequency. 

Who is BS EN 61290-10-3- Probe methods for?  

BS EN 61290-10-3 on probe method for optical amplifiers is relevant to: 

• Manufacturers of optical amplifiers  
• Manufacturers of lasers 
• Fiber optic installers 
• Fiber optic technicians 
• Testing laboratories 
• Testing authorities of probe method 

Why should you use BS EN 61290-10-3- Probe methods? 

Probe techniques provide clear advantages for measuring multichannel gain characteristics in that a simple source configuration can provide parameters for a wide range of multichannel plans. Either a small-signal laser or a broadband noise source serves as the probe signal, and single or multiple lasers are used to set the OFA saturation condition. Pulse modulation of the saturating sources may optionally be used to measure ASE at or near the saturating laser wavelengths without the contaminating effect of source spontaneous emission. 

BS EN 61290-10-3 establishes uniform requirements for the indirect probe method which are in compliance with global standards. In this indirect probe technique, laser sources are not required at each channel frequency. It helps users with determining the accurate and reliable measurements of the multichannel gain and noise parameters as defined in IEC 61291-4.  

BS EN 61290-10-3 gives you detailed information about two methods, i.e., lase probe method and broadband noise probe method, the apparatus needed to perform the test, and explains the detailed procedure for the test. It helps the users to execute the calculations and to conclude the final test results. 

Overall, BS EN 61290-10-3 is useful as it provides guidance on the probe methods and multichannel parameters for optical amplifiers which can be helpful for your business.