BS EN 61290-1-2:2005

What is BS EN 61290-1-2 - Optical amplifiers about?

BS EN 61290 is a series on optical amplifiers. An optical amplifier is a device that amplifies an optical signal directly, without the need to first convert it to an electrical signal. BS EN 61290-1-2 applies to all commercially available optical amplifiers (OAs) and optically amplified sub-systems. BS EN 61290-1-2 applies to optical amplifiers using optically pumped fibres (OFAs based on either rare-earth-doped fibres or on the Raman effect), semiconductors (SOAs), and waveguides (POWAs).

• Nominal output signal power
• Gain
• Reverse gain
• Maximum gain
• Polarization-dependent gain
• Large-signal output stability
• Saturation output power
• Maximum input signal power
• Maximum output signal power
• Input power range
• Output power range
• Maximum total output power

Who is BS EN 61290-1-2 - Optical amplifiers for?

BS EN 61290-1-2 on optical amplifiers is useful for:

• Telecommunication component manufacturers
• Telecommunication equipment manufacturers
• Design engineers
• Quality control personnel

Why should you use BS EN 61290-1-2 - Optical amplifiers?

Optical amplifiers are important in optical communication and laser physics. BS EN 61290-1-2 is devoted to the subject of optical amplifiers. The technology of optical amplifiers is still rapidly evolving, hence amendments and new editions to BS EN 61290-1-2 can be expected.  Each abbreviation introduced in BS EN 61290-1-2 is explained in the text at least the first time it appears. However, for an easier understanding of the whole text, a list of all abbreviations used in BS EN 61290-1-2 is given. In addition, the test method provides a means for measuring the parameters of maximum gain wavelength and gain wavelength band. The object of BS EN 61290-1-2 is specifically directed to single-channel amplifiers.

The optical amplifiers operate at nominal operating conditions. If the optical amplifiers are likely to cause laser oscillations due to unwanted reflections, optical isolators should be used to bracket the optical amplifiers under test. This will minimize signal instability and measurement inaccuracy. For measurements of parameters a) to l) of Clause 1 except e), care is taken in maintaining the state of polarization of the input light during the measurement. Changes in the polarization state of the input light may result in input optical power changes, because of the slight polarization dependency expected from all the optical components used, leading to measurement errors. Using BS EN 61290-1-2 you can specify all commercially available optical amplifiers and optically amplified sub-systems.