High-power 1310 nm DFB lasers for AM video transmission

Increasing the output power of linear DFB lasers is an effective method for increasing the optical loss budget of AM fiber-optic links. For systems using 1310-nm zero dispersion fiber, 1310-nm lasers are preferred to avoid distortion resulting from the combination of dispersion and laser chirp. Increased optical budgets can be used to increase span lengths or to use optical splitting. Results are presented for an 18-mW linear laser. Using 62-channel loading, a C/N of 59.5 dB was achieved for a 20-km link with 9-dB optical loss. For 20-dB optical loss, a C/N of 50.5 dB was achieved. The current status of high-power lasers and the fundamental and practical limits for further increases in power are discussed. Optoelectronic repeaters using high-power lasers are shown to be an effective alternative to optical amplifiers for broadcast AM video distribution