WDM bi-directional transmission over 35 km amplified fiber-optic bus network using Raman amplification for optical sensors

We demonstrate a novel distributed fiber Raman amplified bus topology used for WDM transmission over 35 km of single-mode fiber by use of a multiwavelength Raman pump laser and eight Fiber Bragg gratings ( FBGs). This topology reduces the number of addressing wavelengths needed at the head of the bus. Furthermore, by relocating the FBGs' wavelengths of a first section, it is obtained power transparency at the end of the overall bus, without requiring any additional pump source. We show how the topology allows the received powers from the first section sensors to be equalized and partially amplify the overall network. We investigate how the performance depends on the launched pump power. Results obtained with this new configuration are compared with those achieved in a previously reported optically amplified bus topology. (c) 2005 Optical Society of America.