Optimization of the apodization strength of linearly chirped Bragg gratings for span dispersion compensation

We present an optimization process for the apodization strength factor of fiber Bragg grating dispersion compensators. It will be demonstrated that a proper choice of the apodization strength factor results in minimum deviation of the dispersion from the required level, maximum reflection bandwidth and minimum group delay ripple impact, thus leading to a reduction of the Q-factor penalty of the dispersion compensating system. We also discuss the influence of the fiber link length in the determination of the optimum apodization strength factor, taking into account that shorter links minimize the group delay ripple amplitude, whereas the longer ones maximize the bandwidth of interest. It is determined that a fiber link length of ∼80 km can balance the requirements of group delay ripple impact and bandwidth. The results obtained through this analysis allow a faster modeling of the Bragg grating parameters in order to achieve an improved spectral performance, as well as a cost-effective fabrication process.