GAINMASTERTM

Amplifier Design Software Manual

Revision 1.1

This manual is intended for use with GainMaster v. 1.1.

GainMaster is copyrighted in 2004 by Fibercore Limited.
Fibercore Limited
Fibercore House,
University Parkway,
Chilworth Science Park,
Southampton,
Hampshire, SO16 7QQ,
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)23 8076 9893
Fax: +44 (0)23 8076 9895
Email: info@fibercore.com
USA and Canada
Tel: 1 630 778 0519
Fax: 1 630 420 7393

June 11, 2004

INTRODUCTION
This manual describes the use of Fibercore Limiteds GainMasterTM amplifier design software
package. GainMaster is a self-contained program for use on personal computers using the
Microsoft WindowsTM operating systems, including Windows 95/98/2000/ME/NT. The program
contains an intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) for entering and modifying optical amplifiers
in a schematic fashion. Fibercore Limited erbium fiber is supplied with component data files that
can be loaded into the program and used, along with many other component types, to design and
model optical amplifiers and ASE sources.
In this version the user can
run a simulation with set parameters
iteratively run simulations for the purpose of optimizing any components parameters or for
modeling the effects of component variations
run predefined optimization algorithms for common tasks, such as designing gain flattening
filters
model the effects of erbium fiber temperature by specifying and varying the operating
temperature of each individual section of erbium fiber.
Other optimizations will be added in future versions.

CONTENTS
Introduction........................................................................................................................ 2
Design Philosophy.............................................................................................................. 4
Running GainMaster ..................................................................................................... 6
Getting Started.............................................................................................................. 7
Computer Requirements ............................................................................................. 7
Loading the Program................................................................................................... 7
Suggested Folder Organization................................................................................... 7
Starting GainMaster ................................................................................................ 9
Entering a Design........................................................................................................ 11
Using Probes ............................................................................................................. 13
Component Types ..................................................................................................... 15
Inserting a New Component ..................................................................................... 20
Loading a Previously Saved Component.................................................................. 21
Connecting Components with Fiber ......................................................................... 22
Moving and Deleting Components and Fiber........................................................... 22
Using Probes and Probe Leads ................................................................................. 23
Editing Component Parameters ................................................................................ 23
Saving Components to Disk...................................................................................... 42
Saving Components to Disk...................................................................................... 43
Saving the Simulation to Disk .................................................................................. 43
Running the Basic Simulation ................................................................................... 44
Setting up Global Parameters.................................................................................... 44
Running the Simulation ............................................................................................ 46
Simulation Progress Dialog ...................................................................................... 47
Prematurely Terminating the Simulation.................................................................. 48
Simulation Data Status.............................................................................................. 48
Saving the Simulation ............................................................................................... 48
Viewing Basic Simulation Data ................................................................................. 49
Viewing Probe Data.................................................................................................. 49
Viewing Optical Power in a Fiber ............................................................................ 51
Viewing Erbium Fiber Component Data .................................................................. 53
Optimizations .............................................................................................................. 55
GFF (Gain Flattening Filter) Optimization............................................................... 55
Running Iterative Simulations................................................................................... 56
Setting Up and Running Iterations............................................................................ 56
Viewing Iterated Simulation Results ........................................................................ 59
Examples .......................................................................................................................... 61
Index ................................................................................................................................. 62

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
GainMaster is a software package intended to assist optical engineers in the design of
erbium-doped optical amplifiers (EDFAs), reducing the amount of time involved in
bringing a successful amplifier design to production. The software allows for schematic
representations of an optical amplifier to be input via a graphical user interface which
mimics the symbolic language often used by engineers to outline a design on paper.
Designs are component-driven, meaning that the important aspects of the amplifier are
the selected components and the connections between their ports, made with optical
fibers. The general approach is similar to many common electrical circuit design
programs.
An optical engineer can lay out an amplifier design by introducing components and
connecting their ports with fibers. The general convention used is that the signal path
travels from left to right, and direction-sensitive components are designed to make this
direction convenient. Each components optical parameters can be specified to match
those to be actually used, based either on vendor data or the users own measurements.
Once a design has been entered, with all the components parameters set to their
appropriate values, the user can run a simple simulation. The program tracks the optical
power through the design, integrating the differential equations to solve the propagation
of signal, pump, and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) bands through all erbium
fiber sections. Once a simulation is complete, the user may look inside the design by
graphing the power propagating through any fiber in the design, as well as through the
length of all erbium fiber sections. Also, by use of the probe component, the user may
make common two-point measurements of interest, such as gain, noise figure, conversion
efficiencies, etc. Optical parameters of any component may be changed and the
simulation re-run to observe the effects on amplifier performance.
The entire amplifier design may be saved to disk at any time, which includes the current
state of all components and fibers, including all the optical power data. Different states of
an amplifier can be saved to different files. Individual components can be saved to
separate files, which is especially convenient in the making of a user library of common
components used in many different designs. All pertinent optical parameters are saved
with the individual component file, including any wavelength-dependent data uploaded
by the user.
Different important design parameters may be optimized by running iterated simulations,
which allow the individual or combined variation of component parameters in several
automatically run simulations. Output graphs can be easily created to view the effects of
the variations on the optical power propagating into our out of all components, and also
on any parameter measured by probes in the design. A built-in gain-flattening filter
(GFF) optimization routine can also be used to automatically design a filter shape which
flattens the gain of an amplifier design within user-defined specifications.

The rest of the manual describes how to start using the program, enter a design, run the
basic simulation, view important simulation data, running optimization routines, and how
to generate, run, and view the results of iterative simulations.

RUNNING GAINMASTER

GETTING STARTED
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
GainMaster requires a personal computer running Windows 95/98/2000/ME/NT or
equivalent. Because of the computationally-intensive nature of modeling optical
amplifiers, it is recommended that a computer with at least 64MB of RAM and a
500MHz Pentium III processor (or equivalent) is used for adequate performance. The
software is typically distributed on a CD-ROM, requiring the computer to have some
method of loading data from a CD drive.

LOADING THE PROGRAM

Load the CD-ROM into the CD drive. Run the Setup.exe program located on the CDROM. An install wizard will then run. After the license agreement is accepted, the
program will automatically be loaded under \Program Files\ GainMaster on the C: drive
of your computer. When the installation procedure is completed, you can run the program
from this folder, or you can create a shortcut to the program on your desktop by rightclicking on the program and then selecting Send To and Desktop. Finally, doubleclick the program icon on the desktop to start the program.

SUGGESTED FOLDER ORGANIZATION

The program automatically creates a sub-folder named GainMaster under the Program
Files folder on your hard disk. The main program, GainMaster.exe, is contained in this
folder. Four other sub-folders are created under the GainMaster folder: Components,
Designs, Demos, and Manual.

\COMPONENTS
The Components folder is intended to be a convenient place to locate all saved
component files. The sample erbium fiber component, entitled ErbiumFiber.edf, is
located in this folder. Because all components have type-specific extensions which make
searching and browsing for a given component type easy, it is not necessary to have a
different sub-folder for each component type, although the user is free to create folders
and store component files anywhere desired.

\DESIGNS
The Designs folder is intended to be a convenient place to store the users amplifier
designs, stored as .amp files. Other sub-folders can be created at the users discretion.

\DEMOS
The Demos folder contains example amplifier designs for quick and easy practice in
using the software. The amplifiers in these designs are in no way good amplifier

designs, but are only dummy designs intended for software training and demonstrating
the basic capabilities of the program.

\MANUAL
The Manual folder contains a PDF version of the GainMaster manual. The file can be
read or printed with AdobeTM Acrobat. A free copy of the Acrobat Reader is available
from the Adobe website at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html.

STARTING GAINMASTER
GainMaster TM is a WindowsTM-based program and is launched like other Windows
programs. If a shortcut is created on the computer desktop, double-clicking its icon
launches the program.

Once the program is launched, the main window will appear. Within the main window is
a sub-window that contains a design space for entering the amplifier design schematic.
GainMaster is a multiple-document application, meaning that several designs can be
open at one time, with each one having its own design space window within the main
window. GainMaster automatically generates one blank design space when started.

Clicking on View and Component Toolbar from the main menu can close the
component toolbar on the left of the window.

To create a new blank design, save an existing design, or open a design from a disk file,
the standard file tool buttons at the top of the window can be used. Also, the File dropdown menu can be used to perform the same functions.

ENTERING A DESIGN
The software allows for intuitive, schematic-based entry of amplifier designs.
There are two methods to add a component to the design: adding a new component, or
loading a previously saved component from disk. Located on the main menu are two
drop-down menus: New Component and Load Component. Use New Component to add
a component with default properties, and use Load Component to retrieve a previously
saved component from disk. (Erbium Fiber components must be loaded from the disk
there are no default Erbium Fiber components.) Select the type of component desired
(from the sub-menus for Optical Sources or WDMs) and the new component will be
added to the upper left corner of the design space.

New components can also be added by clicking on that components icon in the
component toolbar (if the component toolbar is currently visible.) Previously saved
components can also be loaded by clicking on the load component icon (which looks like
a file folder with an emerging component) in the main toolbar. Select the desired type of
component in the Files of type: drop-down list at the bottom of the dialog box to view
components of that type.

Once a component is added to the design space, it can be moved by placing the cursor
over its icon, holding down the left mouse button, and moving the cursor. The
components icon is shown in reverse color when selected in this way. To add a
connecting fiber, place the cursor anywhere in the design space outside of a component
icon and hold down the left mouse button. As the mouse is moved, the fiber is extended
until the left mouse button is released. (If the fiber is extremely short, it is deleted to
avoid inadvertent additions from accidental mouse clicks, etc.) If either end of the fiber is
within a component port, the fiber is connected to that port. A components port color is
changed from black to red to indicate that it is connected to a fiber. Once a fiber is
connected to a component port, the only way to break the connection is to eliminate
either the fiber or the component.

To delete a component or a fiber, it must be selected. To select, place the cursor over the
desired components icon or somewhere on the desired fiber. Click the left mouse button
once. The component (fiber) is indicated as being selected by its predominant color being
changed to black (blue). Once selected, the component or fiber can be deleted by pressing
the delete key or clicking on the scissors icon in the toolbar.

USING PROBES
The only exception to the above method of entering a design occurs when using Probe
components. Probes are used to make measurements such as gain and noise figure

between two points in an amplifier. A probe is entered into the design normally.
However, once a connection fiber is attached to a probe port, that fiber becomes a probe
lead. Once it is a probe lead, it can only be attached to connection fibers, not other
component ports. This is because probe leads make measurements of the optical power in
particular fibers. The connection fiber must be attached to the probe port first in order to
define it as a probe lead. Once connected to a probe port, the other end of the probe lead
can be attached to a fiber by moving the opposite end and dropping it (releasing the left
mouse button) above the fiber to which it should be attached. A large black circle drawn
at the point of connection of the probe lead and the fiber indicates the probe lead
attachment. Deleting the probe lead or the fiber breaks this connection. For purposes of
performing two-point calculations, the probes left port is the input side, and the right
port is the output side. This is convenient for amplifiers with forward propagation
direction from left to right.

COMPONENT TYPES
Several different component types are available, each with different optical
characteristics. The different types of components, along with their associated icons, are
described below

ERBIUM FIBER

Erbium fibers are the most important components in an amplifier design. Modeling of
erbium fibers is based upon the standard Giles1 model, with temperature effects based on
the model by Bolshtyansky, et. al.2 All Giles parameters are contained within the
Fibercore Limited-supplied erbium component files (*.edf) and can be viewed, but not
altered, from the erbium component dialog box, Erbium fiber parameters that can be
changed by the user include length, input and output splice loss, and temperature. The
power spectrum for the Signal, Pump and ASE bands propagating in either direction can
be graphed at all points in the fiber.

ITU SOURCE

ITU source components are designed to make creation of any signal spectrum associated
with the ITU grid fast and easy. Grid spacings of 50, 100, 150, and 200GHz are
automatically generated, with arbitrary power levels for each individual channel easily
set. The final output spectrum of the source can be graphed and saved as an ASCII file.

MULTIPLE CHANNEL SOURCE

Giles, C.R., C.A. Burrus, D.J. DiGiovanni, N.K. Dutta, and G. Raybon, Characterization of ErbiumDoped Fibers and Application to Modeling 980-nm and 1480-nm Pumped Amplifiers, IEEE Phot. Tech.
Letters, Vol. 3, No. 4, April 1991.
2
Bolshtyansky, M., P. Wysocki, and N. Conti, Model of Temperature Dependence for Gain Shape of
Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier, Journ. of Light. Tech., Vol. 18, No. 11, November 2000.

Multiple channel components are designed to easily create sources with equally-spaced
channels not tied to the ITU grid. The beginning and ending wavelengths can be
specified, as well as the number of channels, which are evenly spread throughout the
band. The power per channel can be set, and optionally every nth channel can be
automatically eliminated to simulate band edges.

SINGLE CHANNEL SOURCE

Single channel components are simple representations of a single wavelength source,

whose wavelength and power can be defined.

980NM PUMP

980nm pumps are similar to single channel sources in that they have one wavelength and
power level to set. They have a separate icon and naming scheme for convenience and
aesthetics.

1480NM PUMP

1480nm pumps are similar to single channel sources in that they have one wavelength
and power level to set. They have a separate icon and naming scheme for convenience
and aesthetics.

PUMP COUPLING WDM

Pump coupler components are used to couple pump power into the signal path, or remove
pump power from the signal path. Both 1x2 and 2x1 coupler icons are available for
convenience in representing forward or backward pumping schemes, etc., but otherwise

both types behave identically. The operating wavelengths for both the signal and pump
band can be defined. Optical parameters including insertion loss, return loss, isolation,
and directivity can be specified for both the pump and signal bands as single values, or
with user-defined wavelength dependence which is assigned by uploading spectral data
from an ASCII file. The wavelength dependence of these parameters can be graphed for
verification of the data.

ISOLATOR

Isolator components allow optical propagation in only one direction. The isolator
component in this software is designed for left-to-right propagation, as indicated by the
direction of the arrow in the component icon (meant to mimic an electrical diode
symbol.) The operating wavelength range for the isolator can be defined by choosing a
minimum and maximum wavelength. Optical parameters including range, isolation,
insertion loss, and input & output return loss can be defined as single values or have userdefined wavelength dependence assigned by uploading spectral data from an ASCII file.
The wavelength dependence of these parameters can be graphed for verification of the
data.

FILTER

Filters are used to selectively remove power at certain wavelengths. Common uses
include removing certain channels, adding spectral tilt, and flattening amplifier gain. All
such filters are represented by the generic filter component. The insertion loss and input
& output return losses can be specified as single values. The loss spectrum can be
uploaded from an ASCII file, or alternatively optimization algorithms, such as the Gain
Flattening Filter (GFF) optimization, can calculate it. The loss spectrum can be graphed,
either across the full band or just at the signal wavelengths. Also, the loss spectrum can
be saved to an ASCII file.

ATTENUATOR

Attenuators are typically used to reduce the optical power equally across the entire signal
spectrum. However, special attenuators are sometimes constructed with predefined slopes
or shapes to their wavelength dependence. The operating wavelength range can be
defined by choosing a minimum and maximum wavelength. Optical parameters such as
the attenuation and input & output return loss can be defined as single values, or with a
wavelength dependent function uploaded from an ASCII file. These parameters can be
graphed to verify the data.

CIRCULATOR

Circulators are used to separate counter-propagating light into separate paths. This is
indicated in the component icon by the circular arrow pointing in the clockwise direction.
Light entering from the upper left port is transmitted out of the right port, whereas light
entering the right port is transmitted out of the lower left port.

SPLICE

Splice components are included to allow modeling of splice losses resulting from splicing
fibers together in the assembly of an amplifier. While these losses can be lumped together
with component insertion losses, it is more convenient for schematic display as well as
for running iterative simulations (see Running Iterative Simulations, p. 56) to have a
separate component. The operating wavelength ranges for both the signal and pump band
can be defined, and separate splice loss values for the two bands can be specified.

CONNECTOR

Connector components are included to represent the use of optical connectors to mate
two fibers instead of splices. The operating wavelength ranges for both the signal and
pump band can be defined, and separate connector loss values for the two bands can be
specified. Also, the return loss in both directions can be specified.

TAP

Taps are used to extract a small amount of optical power from the signal path, typically
for monitoring purposes. The main signal path is between both upper ports, with the
extracted tap power exiting the lower right port.

FIBER BRAGG GRATING

Fiber Bragg Gratings are similar to filters except that optical power rejected by the filter
is reflected back into the fiber in the opposite direction. Otherwise, they behave
identically to filters.

SPLITTER

Splitters take optical power input to any port and output the user-prescribed percentage of
that power from diametrically opposed port on the other side of the component (minus
any insertion losses, etc.) They can be used to generically combine multiple sources and
pumps, or mix signals from multiple input paths.

PROBE

Probes are used to make two-point measurements, such as Gain, and Noise Figure. The
left port is the input port, and should be connected to the fiber containing the forwardpropagating amplifier input signal. The right port is the output port and should be
connected to the fiber containing the forward-propagating amplifier output signal. (The
ports can be attached to any two fibers. The measurements reported by the probe will be
between those two fibers, and not the amplifier as a whole.)

INSERTING A NEW COMPONENT

A new component of any type (except erbium fiber) may be created by selecting New
Component from the main menu and then selecting the appropriate component type.
(Erbium fiber components may only be loaded from disk, as discussed in the next
section.) The new component is generated with default parameter values that can be
changed as discussed below in Editing Component Parameters. A new component can
also be entered by clicking on its icon in the component toolbar.

LOADING A PREVIOUSLY SAVED COMPONENT

Load a previously saved component by selecting Load Component from the main
menu, selecting the component type, and then selecting the component file to be loaded.
The load a component button located in the main toolbar (the button containing an
open file folder with an emerging component symbol) can be clicked instead to open the
file selection dialog box. The type of component can be selected in the Files of type
field at the bottom to show only files of that type (i.e., with that component types
extension.)

CONNECTING COMPONENTS WITH FIBER

Connect components in a design by attaching fibers between their ports. To connect a
fiber to a component port, a free fiber end can be moved onto a free component port, or a
component can be moved such that its free port overlaps the free end of a fiber. A
successful fiber/port connection is indicated by the components port turning red. To
break a connection, the fiber on the component must be selected and deleted.

MOVING AND DELETING COMPONENTS AND FIBER

Move a component by placing the cursor on its icon, holding down the left mouse button,
and moving the mouse. Any fibers currently connected to that components ports are
adjusted to remain connected to that component.
The colors of a components icon are reversed (highlighted) whenever it is selected. A
component is selected whenever the left mouse button is clicked or held down while the
cursor is on its icon. Only one component or fiber may be selected at a given time.
To delete a component, select it and hit the [Delete] key, or click on the scissors (cut)
icon in the main menu. When a component is deleted, any fiber ends that were connected
to its ports are free to be connected to other components.
The colors of a fiber are reversed when it is selected. A fiber is selected in exactly the
same manner as a component, except that the cursor must be placed over the fiber instead
of the component icon. Only one component or fiber may be selected at a given time. The
fiber is deleted in exactly the same manner as a component once it is selected. Once a
fiber is deleted, any component ports it was attached to are free to connect to other fibers
(as indicated by those ports returning to their black open color.)

USING PROBES AND PROBE LEADS

Probes are created, moved, and deleted exactly as other components. However, fibers
connected to probes are not really fibers, but are probe leads, and have properties
different than fibers. This is indicated by their color changing to green after being
connected to a probe port, indicating their change to probe lead status. It may only be
connected to a probe port if neither of its ends is connected to any component port. Once
it has become a probe lead, its other end may not be connected to a component port (not
even another probe port). A probe leads free end may only be attached to another fiber
(not another probe lead). This is done by moving the probe lead and dropping it on the
selected fiber, or by moving a fiber such that it overlaps the free end of the probe lead. A
large black circle at the intersection of the probe lead and the fiber indicate that it is a
probe lead attachment.
When a probe is deleted, its leads are automatically deleted with it.

EDITING COMPONENT PARAMETERS

Every component has parameter values required to model it. To edit the parameters,
double-click on the component icon and a dialog box will appear. The type of dialog box
created depends upon the type of component selected, as each component type has
different parameters. At the top of each component dialog box (except for erbium fibers)
is the component name. At the bottom of each component dialog box are three buttons:
Save, Apply (or Okay), and Cancel. These are explained below.

COMPONENT NAME
Each component (except for erbium fibers) has
a component name that is displayed just below
the components icon in the

design space. When first created, new components are given generic names that are based
upon that components type. Each name in a given design must be unique, an underscore
and numerical subscript are added to the generic name if required to make the name
unique. The user may change the name of all components (except for erbium fiber
components) by typing a new name in the Component Name edit control located at the
top of the component dialog box. However, if the name typed in by the user is not unique,
an underscore and numerical subscript are added to make it unique.

SAVE COMPONENT
A component can be saved as a separate
file to disk. This is useful for storing
components with particular parameter
values or transfer functions for use in
later designs without having to redefine those values. Clicking on the Save button will
bring up a standard Windows file dialog box which allows the user to select the location
and name for the file to be saved. The program automatically appends an extension to the
name. The extension is particular to the type of component being saved so that when
subsequently loading a component, only components of the desired type are searched.

APPLY (OKAY)
Clicking on the Apply (or Okay) button will update the component with all the users
changes made in the dialog box. It is only after clicking this button that the components
values in the design are actually updated.

CANCEL
Clicking on the Cancel button will reject all of the changes the user made in the dialog
box. The components parameter values will be the same as they were before the
component dialog box was opened

OPERATING WAVELENGTHS
When appropriate, the operating wavelength range for components can be defined. They
will typically be given by a minimum and maximum wavelength for both the signal and
pump bands. Any wavelength outside of these two ranges will be considered completely
blocked by the simulation. Therefore, the operating wavelength for the signal band
should be made large enough to accommodate the desired ASE band, as selected in
Setting up Global Parameters on page 44.
Editing the remaining parameters are described for each component type, with its
individual dialog box, in the sections below:

ERBIUM FIBER
After double-clicking on the erbium fiber component icon, the
erbium fiber dialog box is displayed. The values of the first four
parameters in the dialog box can be changed by the user. The Fiber
Length parameter is the length of the erbium fiber in meters. The
Input and Output Splice Losses are for the left and right, respectively, ends (ports) of the
erbium fiber component, and are in units of dB (positive for loss.) The temperature is in
degrees Celsius.
The Giles parameters are also viewable, but not
editable, by the user:
The Saturation Parameter value is displayed in a
read-only control beneath the temperature. By
clicking on any of the three buttons just below, a
graph of either the signal, pump, and g* spectra
can be displayed.
Once a simulation has been run, the optical data
inside the fiber can be viewed by clicking either
of the two buttons in the Simulation Data
section of the dialog box. (See Viewing Erbium
Fiber Component Data on p. 53 for more
information about viewing the erbium fibers
simulation data.)

ITU SOURCE
The ITU Signal Source component is designed to make creation of an ITUlocked source fast and simple. Channel spacings of 25, 50, 100, and
200GHz can be generated automatically, with any channels easily dropped
and the power of each channel individually controllable.
After double-clicking on the ITU Signal component icon, its dialog box is displayed.

The available channels are shown in the list box on the left of the dialog box. Which
channels are available depends upon the current channel spacing. The default value is
200GHz. The channels can be displayed either in wavelength (nm) or frequency (THz)
format by selecting the desired units button. Removed channels are displayed with
square brackets around their wavelength/frequency value, for example [1520.25], to
indicate that channel is on the ITU grid, but removed from the source spectrum.
CHANGING THE CHANNEL SPACING
To change the channel spacing, choose the desired value from the Channel Spacing
drop-down list and then click on the Set Source To ITU Grid button. This will reset the
entire source spectrum to the new channel spacing and reset all power levels to their
default value.

SELECTING CHANNELS
To change the status of any channel or group of channels, they first must be selected.
Channels are selected by highlighting their wavelength/frequency in the list box. This is
accomplished by clicking with the mouse. Multiple selections may be made pressing the
[Ctrl] key while making a selection with the mouse, or by using the [Ctrl] key and the
up/down arrow keys.
In addition, channel selection can be accomplished using the selection buttons in the
Select/Deselect Channels section of the dialog box. The function of each of the buttons
in this section is described below:
-

Select All: highlights all available channels in the list box.

Select Existing: highlights only existing (non-removed) channels
Remove: removes all highlighted channels
Deselect All: removes highlighting from all channels
Select Removed: highlights only removed channels
Restore: returns any highlighted removed channels to on status

CHANGING CHANNEL POWER

The power level of all currently highlighted channels can be changed by entering the
desired power in the Power box, located in the Set Power Levels section at the
bottom of the dialog box. The numerical value entered is assumed to be in the current
units, which can be changed by selecting the desired units in the adjacent drop-down
selection box. No channels are changed until the Set Power Level for all Selected
Channels button is clicked. Only those channels currently selected (highlighted) will
have their power modified to the current power level displayed.
GRAPHING THE SOURCE SPECTRUM
Clicking on the Graph button will display a graph of the current source spectrum.

MULTIPLE CHANNEL SOURCE

This source is intended for use when a multiple channel signal is desired
that is not locked to the ITU grid. It creates an evenly-spaced multiple
wavelength source of constant channel power.
After double-clicking on the Multiple
Channel Signal Source component, its
dialog box is displayed.
The First wavelength and Last
wavelength parameters will be the
first and last channel of the source.
The Number of wavelengths
parameter indicates how many
channels this source will have,
including the first and last channel.
The Skip every [n] wavelength
indicates that every nth channel will
have zero power, with n being the
number selected (0 if all channels are to be used.) For example, entering 3 will mean
every third channel will have zero power. The first channel is never skipped.
The optical power of each channel is equal and the value is determined by the value
entered in the Power box. Note that the units may be selected in the adjacent units box,
and that the numerical power entered by the user is assumed to be in the currently
selected units. Changing the units will automatically convert the displayed numerical
power to the new units.

SINGLE CHANNEL SOURCE

This source is intended for use when only a single source channel is
desired.

After double-clicking on the

Single Channel Signal Source
component, its dialog box is
displayed. The single
wavelength is entered in the
Wavelength box. The power
entered in the Power box is
assumed to be in the currently
selected units. The adjacent
drop-down box is used to set
the current units. Changing the
units will automatically
convert the displayed
numerical power to the new
units.

980NM PUMP
The 980nm Pump component is a
single-wavelength source intended for
pumping near 980nm.

After double-clicking on the 980nm

Pump component, its dialog box is
displayed. The single wavelength is
entered in the Wavelength box. The
power entered in the Power box is assumed to be in the currently selected units. The
adjacent drop-down box is used to set the current units. Changing the units will
automatically convert the displayed numerical power to the new units.

1480NM PUMP
The 1480nm Pump component is a single-wavelength source intended for
pumping near 1480nm.

After double-clicking on the 1480nm

Pump component, its dialog box is
displayed. The single wavelength is
entered in the Wavelength box. The
power entered in the Power box is
assumed to be in the currently selected
units. The adjacent drop-down box is
used to set the current units. Changing
the units will automatically convert the
displayed numerical power to the new
units.

PUMP COUPLING WDM

WDM Pump Coupler components are used to couple
pump laser output into the signal path. Two types of
pump coupling WDM components are provided: 1x2
(for backward pumping) and 2x1 (for forward
pumping.)
After double-clicking on the WDM component, its dialog box is displayed.

The optical performance specifications, in the bottom half of the dialog box, are divided
into four groups based upon the input and output ports for the given parameter. For
example, signal insertion loss and pump isolation are both concerned with signal-tocommon port optical transfer function, while pump insertion and signal isolation are both

concerned with the pump-to-common port optical transfer function. Ports connected to
red lines inside the components icon are the signal path, while those attached to blue
lines are on the pump path. Ports with both red and blue internally connected lines are
common to both the signal and pump paths.
For all parameters, a single number can be used by typing that value into the appropriate
edit box. This numerical value will then be used at all appropriate wavelengths. A
wavelength-dependent function can also be uploaded from an ASCII file by clicking on
the From File button located next to the desired parameter and then browsing to find
the desired file. The program expects the file to be in the format of ASCII data, tab
delimited, in two columns: the first column is the wavelength in nanometers, and the
second column is the transmission in dB. For example, a flat 50% transmission,
corresponding to a 3dB loss, would be represented in an ASCII file as:
1530
1531
1532
N

-3
-3
-3
dBN

The current optical transfer function for each parameter can be viewed by clicking the
Graph button next to the desired parameter. The current optical transfer function is
displayed.
If a wavelength-dependent transfer function has been uploaded for a given parameter and
you would like to revert back to using the single numerical value for that parameter, click
on the Reset button next to the desired parameter. The previously uploaded
wavelength-dependent function will be deleted and the current values in the
corresponding edit boxes will be used instead. To use the wavelength-dependent function
again, it must be reloaded from a file as before.

ISOLATOR
Isolators are used to allow optical propagation in only one direction,
much like diodes are used in electrical circuits. The icon for an isolator is
the same as that commonly used in electronics. The direction of allowed propagation is
indicated by the direction of the arrow, or left-to-right in this case.
After double-clicking on the
component icon, the isolators
parameter dialog box is
displayed.
The four parameters (isolation,
insertion loss, input return loss,
and output return loss) can be
given a single numerical value,
or use a wavelength-dependent
transfer function uploaded from
an ASCII file. A wavelengthdependent function is uploaded
from an ASCII file by clicking
on the From File button
located next to the desired
parameter and then browsing to
find the desired file. The
program expects the file to be in
the format of ASCII data, tab
delimited, in two columns: the
first column is the wavelength in nanometers, and the second column is the transmission
in dB. For example, a flat 50% transmission, corresponding to a 3dB loss, would be
represented in an ASCII file as:
1533
1534
1535
N

-3
-3
-3
dBN

The current transfer functions can also be graphed by clicking on the Graph button and
reverted to single values by clicking on the Reset button, again just as described for
WDM components.

FILTER
Filters are used to selectively eliminate different wavelengths of light
from the optical path. In this simulation, filters work identically for light
propagating in either direction, and the amount of light reflected from
either port is controlled by the input and output return losses only.
When first created, filters have a unity
transmission (minus any insertion and return
losses). To create a filter of a desired shape, a
spectrum can be uploaded from an ASCII file by
clicking on the Load Spectrum From File
button and selecting the desired file. The program
expects the ASCII file to be in a two-column, tabdelimited format as follows:
Wavelength (nm)

Transmission (dB)

For example, a spectrally flat 50% filter file

would look like:
1530
1531
1532
N

-3
-3
-3
dBN

This is identical to the format expected for

loading transfer functions for other components.
The current insertion loss is subtracted from the loaded spectrum. In order to make the
filters spectrum identical to that loaded from a file, set the insertion loss to 0 first.
Filter shapes can also be automatically created by optimization routines. For example, the
GFF optimization routine (see GFF (Gain Flattening Filter) Optimization, p. 55) will
automatically generate a desired spectrum for the selected filter. This spectrum can then
be saved from the spectral graph for use in specifying a GFF filter shape.
To view the current filter spectrum, click on either the Loss Spectrum Signal Band or
Loss Spectrum Full Band to see the spectrum for the respective band.

ATTENUATOR
Attenuators are used to reduce the optical power across the spectrum
by a constant amount, somewhat similar in application to neutral
density filters in visible and infrared optical systems. Some attenuators
also have a wavelength-dependent loss. Both types of attenuators can be modelled.
The minimum and maximum
wavelengths determine the
operating range of the
attenuator. Any wavelengths
outside of this range are
rejected (unless using a
wavelength-dependent
transfer function uploaded by
the user from an ASCII file).
The attenuation, input return
loss, and output return loss
can be specified with a single
value, or a wavelengthdependent function can be
uploaded from an ASCII file
by clicking on the From
File button. The program
expects the file to be in the
format of ASCII data, tab
delimited, in two columns: the first column is the wavelength in nanometers, and the
second column is the transmission in dB. For example, a flat 50% transmission,
corresponding to a 3dB loss, would be represented in an ASCII file as:
1536
1537
1538
N

-3
-3
-3
dBN

The current attenuator transfer functions can be viewed by clicking on the respective
Graph button, and a parameter can revert to the single value by clicking on the Reset
button.
Attenuators that use single values for parameters (as opposed to wavelength-dependent
parameters) are particularly convenient because they can be used in iterative simulations
(see Running Iterative Simulations on p. 56) for varying values. If a wavelengthdependent attenuation is uploaded, the attenuation can not be changed in iterated
simulations.

CIRCULATOR
Circulators are used to split counter-propagating light into different
paths. Light propagates either from the upper left port to the right port,
or from the right port to the lower left port. As indicated by the bar in
the icon, light is not meant to propagate between the upper and lower
left ports.
The minimum and maximum operating
wavelengths determine the operating range
of the circulator. Any wavelength outside of
this operating range is rejected.
The insertion loss, return loss, isolation, and
directivity can be specified. For the
purposes of this simulation, the isolation
refers to rejection of light propagating from
the right port to the upper left port, and from
the lower left port to the right port. The
directivity refers to light propagating
between the upper left and lower left port.

SPLICE
Splices are simple representations of splice losses found anywhere fibers
are spliced together. They are separate components for purposes of
aesthetics, and for explicit use in iterative simulations, where the effects
of splice loss variations can be examined. Splice losses to components can either be
modelled implicitly, through a components
insertion loss, or explicitly, but placement of a
splice component, depending upon the users
needs and preferences.
Splices have operating wavelength ranges,
and any wavelength outside of these ranges is
eliminated. Two different splice losses can be
specified: signal and pump band. The signal
band also covers the ASE band, so the signal
minimum and maximum wavelength should
define a range large enough to accommodate
the entire ASE band as well.

CONNECTOR
Connectors represent two connectorized fibers mated through a
bulkhead. For purposes of the simulation, connectors behave
identically to splices, described above. A separate connector
component is included for aesthetic purposes
and clarity in the schematic representation of
the design.
The parameters for a connector are identical to
that for a splice, described above, except for the
inclusion of back-reflection from both ports,
which is incorporated through the return loss
parameter.

TAP
Taps are used to remove a small portion of the signal band, typically
for power monitoring applications. The two top ports are the signal
ports, and the one bottom port on the right is the tap output port.
The operating range is defined by the
minimum and maximum wavelength
parameters. Any wavelength outside of this
range is rejected. The tap percentage is the
amount of light input to the left port that is
output of the lower right (tap) port, after
accounting for the insertion loss.

FIBER BRAGG GRATING

Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) are used to either selectively filter or
reflect light at different wavelengths. In this simulation, they work
identically to filters except that all light rejected (from either
direction) by the filter shape is actually reflected and propagated in the opposite direction.
Otherwise, the parameters and dialog box for
FBGs are identical to that of filters described
above (see Filter on p. 17 above.) The current
insertion loss is subtracted from the loaded
spectrum. In order to make the gratings
spectrum identical to that loaded from a file,
set the insertion loss to 0 first.
As is the case for filters, FBG shapes can be
generated via the GFF optimization routine
[see GFF (Gain Flattening Filter)
Optimization on p. 55] by selecting the
desired FBG component as the GFF filter.
However, when using FBGs as gain
flattening filters, the spectrum reflected by the
FBG is taken into account, so the optimized,
gain-flattening FBG spectrum will be slightly
different than that which would be obtained
from using a (thin-film) filter component as
the gain flattening filter.

SPLITTER
Splitters are used for dividing a signal equally into two separate
output fibers. The component represented by a splitter in this
simulation takes any optical power input to a port and divides it
equally into two output spectra emerging from the ports on the opposite side (after
accounting for the insertion loss.)
The minimum and maximum wavelength
parameters define the operating range. Any
wavelength outside this operating range is
rejected. The split percentage is defined as the
percentage of light input into any port (minus
insertion loss) which is output of the
diametrically opposed port.

PROBE
Probes do not model real components, but rather are a convenient
method of making two-point measurements of interest in an amplifier
design. Probes do not actually participate in the simulation, and
therefore can be added or deleted after a simulation has been running without affecting
the simulation data. (Because of this, the status light in the status bar will not change
solely due to addition or deletion of a probe.)
In order to use a probe to make
measurements, both of its ports must be
connected to the desired test points. To do
this, fibers must be connected to the ports.
This is accomplished in the same way as for
normal components, with the exception that
once a fiber has been attached to a probe port,
it is no longer a fiber but is rather a probe
lead. Once it is a probe lead, it can no longer
be attached to any other components port.
(Also, any fiber that is currently attached to a
component port cannot be attached to a probe
port.) Probe leads can only be attached to
other fibers (not other probe leads). This is
done by dropping the free end of the probe
lead onto a fiber. A successful connection of a
probe lead to a fiber is indicated by a large
black circle appearing at the point of
intersection of the probe lead and the fiber.
Once a probes ports are connected to desired
fibers, measurements can be made between
those two points by double-clicking on the
probe icon. The measurements and graphs that
can be viewed are described in Viewing Probe
Data on page 49.

SAVING COMPONENTS TO DISK

A component can be saved to disk by clicking on the Save button at the lower left
corner of its dialog box. When a component is saved to disk, all of its user-specified
parameters are saved, including the optical transfer function information. Each
component type has a unique file extension added to it for ease of future identification.
By saving components to disk in this way, a library of user-specific components can be
built up to be conveniently used in other designs.

SAVING THE SIMULATION TO DISK

Clicking on the disk icon in the main menu, or selecting File and Save or Save As,
allows the user to save the amplifier design, in its current state, to the disk. Every
amplifier design is saved with a .amp file extension. The design is saved in its current
state, meaning that the latest simulation run (or incomplete run, if prematurely
terminated), and the latest iterative simulation run are saved. To save different simulation
runs of the same design, a separate file with a different name should be used.

RUNNING THE BASIC SIMULATION

SETTING UP GLOBAL PARAMETERS
There are several global parameters which affect the accuracy and speed of the
simulation. The default values have been chosen to give a good compromise between
speed and accuracy. However, in certain
circumstances, such as verifying a final
design or doing a quick initial estimation,
the user may wish to change these
parameters. To do so, select Global and
Simulation Parameters from the main
menu. The Global Simulation Parameters
dialog box will then be displayed. The
purpose and effects of each available
parameter are outlined below:

ERROR TOLERANCE
This is the maximum estimated error
allowed during each step of the RungeKutta differential equation solving
algorithm, given as a ratio of the estimated
error in optical power to the current optical
power at a given point in the fiber. If the
algorithm estimates that the error will be
larger than this minimum value, the
algorithms step size is reduced. Therefore,
a smaller error tolerance will lead to longer
simulation times. The default value is 0.01,
which is acceptable for initial design
simulations, but it is recommended that for
final design verification a value of 0.001 be
used.

MINIMUM STEP SIZE

This is the minimum step size that the
differential equation solver allows in solving
the erbium fiber equations. As mentioned
above, the algorithm will reduce the step
size if it estimates too large an error. However, the algorithm will never be allowed to
reduce the step size below this minimum step size, even if the estimated error is larger
than the error tolerance. The default value is 0.1m, but for final design verification it is
recommended that a value of 0.01m be used.

MAXIMUM STEP SIZE

This is the maximum step size that the differential equation solver will ever allow. In
addition to decreasing the step size if the estimated error is too large, the algorithm also
increases the step size if it estimates that the error is extremely small, in order to speed
calculations. However, the algorithm will never be allowed to increase the step size
above this maximum value. The default value is 0.5m and it should be acceptable to leave
it at this value for all cases.

MAXIMUM FIBER PASSES

This is the maximum number of times the differential equation solver will make a
forward and backward pass through the fiber in an attempt to reach convergence. The
default value is 15. It is recommended that this number be at least 5.

MAXIMUM INVERSION CHANGE

If the maximum change in inversion at any point in the fiber from one pass to the
subsequent pass is less than this number the differential equation solver will assume
convergence has occurred. Decreasing this number will increase simulation time by
requiring more fiber passes. The default value is 0.01, but it is recommended that a value
of 0.001 be used for final design validation.

INVERSION STEP SIZE

This is the distance between points within each erbium fiber for which the inversion level
will be calculated. The default value is 0.1m. Decreasing this number will slightly
increase the accuracy of the inversion interpolation between points, but will increase
memory usage and the size of the resulting amplifier design file.

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF INVERSION STEPS

This is the maximum number of points within each erbium fiber for which the inversion
level will be calculated. If a given erbium fiber is so long that the inversion step size
value would generate more than this number of data points, the inversion step size will be
adjusted so that this maximum number of points is not exceeded. The default value is 500
points. Increasing this number will increase the inversion interpolation accuracy for very
long fibers, but could increase memory usage and the size of the resulting amplifier
design file.

MINIMUM NUMBER OF INVERSION STEPS

This is the minimum number of points within each erbium fiber for which the inversion
level will be calculated. If a given erbium fiber is so short that the inversion step size
value would generate less than this number of data points, the inversion step size will be
adjusted so that this minimum number of points is always used.

ASE STARTING WAVELENGTH

This is the lower bound for the amplified spontaneous emission wavelength band
calculated by the simulation.

ASE ENDING WAVELENGTH

This is the upper bound for the amplified spontaneous emission wavelength band
calculated by the simulation.

NUMBER OF ASE WAVELENGTH BINS

This is the number of discrete ASE wavelengths that are calculated in the ASE band. The
bins are uniformly distributed between the starting and ending ASE wavelength values
selected above.

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF NETWORK PASSES

This is the maximum number of times the program will attempt to run the simulation
through the network to check if convergence is reached. If convergence is not reached in
the allotted number of passes through the network, the program will terminate, indicate
an error, and leave the design with the data from its last pass. The data from a simulation
that gave a convergence error should is not accurate. To solve this problem, either
increase this maximum number of network passes, or look for places in the design where
there are large back-reflectances and reduce them.

RUNNING THE SIMULATION

The simulation can be initiated either by choosing Simulation and Run from the main
menu, or clicking the start button (green arrow) on the toolbar.

SIMULATION PROGRESS DIALOG

While the simulation is running, a dialog box is displayed indicating the progress of the
simulation and several running values of interest.

CURRENT SIMULATION TASK

This control displays a description of the current simulation task. Most commonly it
displays the name of the erbium fiber currently being solved, as this is the most timeconsuming calculation.

FIBER CALC. #
This counts the number of fiber
calculations performed by the
simulation. The displayed value
is the number of the current
calculation.

FIBER PASS #
This counts the number of passes
through the current erbium fiber
being calculated. A pass is
defined here as a single forward
and backward propagation of the
algorithm through the fiber. The
value displayed is the number of
the pass currently being
performed.

DIRECTION
This displays the direction currently being propagated through the fiber, either forward
or backward.

STEP SIZE
This is the current step size (in meters) being used by the differential equation solver.
This value is adjusted during calculation based on estimated errors but should never be
outside the maximum and minimum values specified by the user in the Global Parameters
menu.

LOCAL INVERSION
This is the value of the erbium fiber inversion between 0 (completely non-inverted) and 1
(completely inverted) at the current fiber position.

FIBER POSITION
This is the current position (in meters, starting from the fibers left end) being
calculated by the algorithm.

INVERSION CHANGE
This is the maximum inversion difference at any point in the fiber for the last two
complete passes through the fiber. For convergence, this number must be less than that
specified by the user in the Global Parameters menu.

PROGRESS BAR
This progress bar indicates the status of the current forward or backward propagation
pass. Both a forward and backward propagation must be completed for one complete
fiber pass.

CURRENT GLOBAL TASK

This control displays a description of the current global task. This can be a normal
simulation, an optimization, or an iterative simulation, depending upon what the user has
selected.

GLOBAL PROGRESS BAR

This progress bar indicates the status of the current global task, such as a normal
simulation, optimizations, or iterative simulations.

PREMATURELY TERMINATING THE SIMULATION

Pressing the Escape key (or clicking on the red stop sign icon in the toolbar) while the
GainMaster window is the active window will terminate the simulation. Note that if the
simulation is prematurely terminated the data contained in the design is not correct, as
indicated by the red Simulation data not current light at the bottom left of the window.

SIMULATION DATA STATUS

The light at the bottom left of the window is green if the design data is current (i.e., the
simulator has been run since the last change). The light is red if the design data is not
current (i.e. the data does not represent the completed simulation of the latest changes).

SAVING THE SIMULATION

The simulation can be saved to disk (as an *.amp file) by clicking on the disk button in
the toolbar or selecting File and Save or Save As from the main menu.

VIEWING BASIC SIMULATION DATA

VIEWING PROBE DATA
Double-clicking on a probe component will display that probes dialog box. The user
may view or select several measured
parameters:

GAIN SPECTRUM
Clicking on the Gain Spectrum button will
display a graph of the gain as measured
between the two fibers attached to this probes
leads. Gain is defined as the ratio of the
forward-propagating signal powers, with the
lead attached to the probes left port
considered the input for purposes of this
measurement, and the lead attached to the
probes right port considered the output. By
clicking on the Save button in the gain
graph window, an ASCII file of the plotted
data can be saved to disk. The user-supplied
filename is appended with a .dat extension
to indicate it is an ASCII data file. The data
file is in the form of two columns, tabdelimited, with a single header row indicating
the type of data and units.

NOISE FIGURE SPECTRUM

Clicking on the Noise Figure Spectrum button
will display a graph of the noise figure with
the same conventions as used in the above
Gain Spectrum measurement. The noise figure
is calculated assuming a shot-noise limited
optical signal-to-noise ratio for the input signal. By clicking on the Save button in the
noise figure graph window, and ASCII file of the plotted data can be saved to disk. The
user-supplied filename is appended with a .dat extension to indicate it is an ASCII data
file. The data file is in the form of two columns, tab-delimited, with a single header row
indicating the type of data and units.

AVERAGE GAIN
The displayed value is the average gain (in dB) over the entire signal band.

MAXIMUM GAIN
The displayed value is the maximum gain (in dB) over the entire signal band.

MINIMUM GAIN
The displayed value is the minimum gain (in dB) over the entire signal band.

GAIN FLATNESS (P-P)

The displayed value is the peak-to-peak gain flatness (in dB) over the entire signal band.

GAIN FLATNESS (RMS)

The displayed value is the root-mean-square gain flatness (in dB) over the entire signal
band.

GAIN TILT
The displayed value is the difference (in dB) of the gain at the shortest and longest
wavelengths in the signal band.

POWER CONVERSION EFFICIENCY

The displayed value is the power conversion efficiency calculated using all pump powers
and the total signal power as measured by the probes output lead.

QUANTUM CONVERSION EFFICIENCY

The displayed value is the quantum conversion efficiency calculated using all pump
powers and their associated wavelengths and the total signal power as measured by the
probes output lead.

VIEWING OPTICAL POWER IN A FIBER

Optical power in any fiber (other than probe leads) can be viewed by double-clicking on
that fiber. A graph is displayed showing the forward signal power in the currently
selected fiber. At the top of the graph are several options which the user may select as
described below:

POWER BAND
The user may select between the signal, pump, or ASE bands by selecting the appropriate
button. The currently selected band is indicated by the solid black dot appearing next to
the selected band name.

SIGNAL PROPAGATION DIRECTION

The user may select between forward and backward-propagating optical power choosing
the button next to the desired direction.

POWER UNITS
The user can set the power units in which to see the data plotted by selecting the
appropriate button next to the desired unit. Both the plot and the displayed power will be
in these units.

IN-BAND POWER
The total (integrated) in-band power is displayed in the currently selected units from
above.

CHANGING GRAPH SCALE

Right-clicking anywhere on the graph will
display a pop-up menu. Selecting the change
y-axis scale displays a dialog box that sets
the minimum and maximum values of the
graph. Changing these values will cause the
graph to be redrawn with the new limits. Note
that the units used for the limits are the
currently selected units in the graph.

SAVING DATA
Clicking on the Save Data button will display a file dialog box. The user may type in a
name or select a filename using this dialog boxs features. When the user clicks on
Save an ASCII file will be created with a .dat extension. The ASCII file will contain
the plotted data, in the currently selected units, in the form of two tab-delimited columns.
The first column will contain the wavelength in nanometers, and the second column will
contain the power value in the currently selected units. Each column will have a header
indicating the type of data and units.

VIEWING ERBIUM FIBER COMPONENT DATA

Double-clicking on an erbium fiber component will display the erbium fiber component
dialog box.

FIBER INVERSION VS. POSITION

Clicking on the Inversion vs.
Position button displays the
plot of fiber inversion versus
position. The inversion is the
ratio of erbium ions in the
upper state to the total number
of ions, a number between 0
(non-inverted) and 1
(completely inverted). The
position in the fiber is
measured from the left end
of the fiber. The number of
data points in the graph is
determined by the settings
defined under the Global
Parameters section, which can
be accessed by selecting
Global and then Simulation
Parameters from the main
menu.
The scale of the y-axis can be
changed by right-clicking
anywhere on the graph and
selecting change y-axis scale, then typing in the desired graph limits. This procedure is
described in Changing Graph Scale shown in Viewing Optical Power in a Fiber above.

FIBER POWER VS. POSITION

Clicking on the Power vs. Position button displays the plot of optical power within the
erbium fiber. This plot is similar to that for normal fibers except for three important
differences:
1) The slider located in the
upper-right corner of
the graph shows the
current position in the
erbium fiber. By
moving this slider the
user can display all
optical power
information, forward
and backward,
anywhere along the
length of the fiber.
2) The Lock Scale
button will adjust the yaxis scale of the graph
to display the currently
selected optical band
and power units along
the length of the fiber
without change. This
allows the user view the
optical power through
the fiber without the
graph scale changing.
3) There are four
numerical displays just
above the graph that
give the total optical
power in all bands, for the pump, for the signal band, and for the ASE. The
numerical values are in the currently selected units.

OPTIMIZATIONS
One of the more powerful features of the software is its ability to optimize a given
design. Optimization routines are automated algorithms that run a designs simulation
many times, changing various component parameters to achieve a desired performance
goal.

GFF (GAIN FLATTENING FILTER) OPTIMIZATION

In order to perform a GFF optimization, the current amplifier design must have at least
one Probe and one Filter or Fiber Bragg component. The gain of the probe will be used as
the feedback for the optimization algorithm, which will attempt to make the gain flatness
for this probe below that specified by the user. Because of this, the probe leads should be
attached between input and output points in the amplifier for which flat gain is
desired.
To initiate a GFF optimization, select
Optimize and then GFF from the main
menu. The GFF Optimization Parameters
dialog box will be displayed. Choose the
desired filter and probes by selecting their
component names from their respective dropdown lists at the top of the dialog box. In the
Gain Flatness Specification section, choose
the maximum gain flatness allowed in dB,
selecting either Peak-To-Peak or RMS. The
optimization procedure will stop as soon as this
specification is met.
The final two parameters, located in the
Optimization Routine Parameters section, are
the Damping Factor and Maximum Iterations.
The Damping Factor is a number used to
multiply the gain error from flatness before
using it to modify the filter shape. It should be <
1. A number very close to one will slightly
speed up the convergence of the algorithm, but
also increases the chances of creating oscillations around the desired solution. The
Maximum Iterations parameter sets the number of loops the algorithm will make before
failing to find an optimal filter shape.

RUNNING ITERATIVE SIMULATIONS

A powerful method of optimizing and analyzing an amplifier design is the use of iterative
simulations. Simply put, iterative simulations allow the user to automatically run many
simulations for designs with different component parameter values. This allows the user
to examine the effects of design changes, production deviations, etc., on the performance
of the amplifier design.
Iterations are divided into two broad categories: Non-nested and nested. The choice
between the two is made in the iterative setup dialog box. The iterative setup dialog box
is accessed by selecting Iterations and Setup & Run from the main menu.

SETTING UP AND RUNNING ITERATIONS

Once the iteration setup dialog box is displayed, the user must select the parameters to be
varied. The parameters are selected by first choosing the component, and then the
particular parameter to be varied.
Current selections are displayed in the upper half of the dialog box labeled Currently
Selected Iterations. There are 5 edit boxes in this section giving the component name,
parameter name, start, end, and # steps values for each iteration currently in the list.
To choose a new parameter, the following steps are performed:
1) In the Add/Remove Component Iteration section in the lower left part of the
dialog box, choose the desired component from the COMPONENT NAME
drop-down box.
2) Once a component is selected, its available parameters will be added to the
PARAMETER drop-down box, located just to the right. Select the desired
parameter in this box.
3) In the sub-section called Parameter Iteration Values located just below these
two boxes are controls for the actual parameter values to use. In the START
box, type the beginning numerical value for the parameter.
4) In the END box, type the last numerical value for the parameter.
5) In the # STEPS box, type the total number of iterations desired, including the
first and last (minimum of 2 required.)
6) Under STEP SPACING, choose either Linear or Log for the type of spacing.
For linear spacing, the program will run simulations with different parameter
values spaced evenly between the first and last value. For log spacing, the
program will run simulations with different parameter values spaced evenly on a
logarithmic scale between the first and last value.
7) Select the Apply to all components of the same type box if this iteration is to
apply to all components of the same type. For example, to iteratively vary the
temperature of all erbium fibers, create an iteration for only one erbium fiber and
then check this box; the temperature of all erbium fibers in the design will be
varied according to the specified iteration parameters. (For purposes of iterative

simulations, each separate component type is indicated as having a separate

icon on the component toolbar, so, for example, 1x2 and 2x1 WDMs are
considered separate component types.)
8) Once all the appropriate selections have been made, click on the Add button
located at the very bottom left of the dialog box to add this particular iteration to
the list. This iteration, with its numerical values, should now be displayed in the
Currently Selected Iterations section at the top of the dialog box.
9) In the Iteration Options section located at the lower right of the dialog box,
check the Nest Iterative Loops for nested iterations, or uncheck it for normal
iterations.

Only one iteration of a particular component/parameter combination can be selected. This

is to ensure easy display of the results later. To edit a particular iteration, click on that
iterations data in any of the edit boxes in the Currently Selected Iterations section; the
values for the chosen iteration will now appear in the edit boxes of the Add/Remove
Component Iteration section. Any of the values for that iteration can be modified,
although the data isnt actually changed in the list until the Add button is clicked.

Alternatively, clicking the Remove button deletes the currently selected iteration from
the list. Clicking the Remove All button deletes all the iterations from the list
Once all the changes have been made, clicking on the Save Setup will save this
iteration setup and return to the design space. The current iteration setup will be
displayed the next time the Iterations Setup & Run menu item is selected.
Clicking on Run Iterations will run the current iterations automatically through to
completion.

VIEWING ITERATED SIMULATION RESULTS

Once the iterated simulations have been run, the results may be viewed by selecting
Iteration and Graph Results from the main menu. Regardless of whether non-nested
or nested iterations were selected, the same dialog box is displayed, although the bottom
half of the dialog box is used only for nested iterations.

Graphs for viewing iterative simulations are built by selecting an x-axis (independent)
variable from the list of parameters that were iterated, then selecting a y-axis (dependent)
variable, which can be any available parameter from any component in the design.
To choose the independent variable, select one of the iterated parameters from the dropdown box labeled x-axis variable in the Select an iteration parameters as the
independent (x) variable for a graph section of the dialog box.
To choose the dependent variable, select a component and parameter in the two y-axis
variable boxes located in the Select a parameter as the dependent (y) parameter for the
graph section of the dialog box. If the selected parameter is wavelength-dependent,
select the wavelength to graph from the list of available wavelengths in the Wavelength
(nm) drop-down box.
If the iterated simulations were not nested, then clicking the Graph button at the bottom
of the dialog box will generate the desired graph.

If the iterated simulations were nested, there will be component/parameter items

displayed in the list boxes entitled Remaining Iterated Parameters and Graph Value
located in the VALUES FOR OTHER ITERATED PARAMETERS (ONLY FOR
NESTED ITERATIONS) section of the dialog box. Because every parameter value is
varied for all other parameter values in nested iterations, it is necessary for the user to
choose the parameter values desired for those parameters not used as the independent or
dependent variables.
To choose these parameter values, click on a component/parameter combination in the
Remaining Iterated Parameters list box. The possible values for the particular
parameter are then displayed in the Graph Value box. Select the value to be used in the
graph by clicking on the desired value in the Graph Value list box. The desired value
should now be highlighted.
Once all the desired values have been selected for the remaining iterated parameters,
clicking on the Graph button will display the graph using data only from simulations
where the parameters in the Remaining Iterated Parameter list are equal to those selected
by the user.

EXAMPLES
In the \Demos subdirectory are three example .amp files. These are in no way intended to
be suggested amplifier designs, but are merely examples to show how to use the software
to design amplifiers. Any resemblance to actual amplifier designs are purely coincidental.
The simulations in all three examples have been run and the data is saved and ready for
viewing.
The two files, 3StageDemo.amp and 3StageFlattenedDemo.amp contain a sample 3-stage
amplifier design, with and without a gain-flattening filter, respectively. The flattened
design has a filter whose shape was created using the GFF optimization routine, with less
than 0.1dB gain flatness specified. The flattened design also has a pre-run iterative
simulation varying the length of the third-stage fiber. The effects of this variation can be
viewed as described in Viewing Iterated Simulation Results on page 59.
The file Bidirectional.amp is an example of a bidirectional amplifier using two circulators
to split the two propagation directions into different paths. The two probes, named
Forward Probe and Backward Probe, are setup to show the amplifier performance for the
forward and backward propagating signal paths.

Index
Amplifier..................................................... 2, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 41, 42, 44, 54, 55
Apply................................................................................................................................. 56
ASCII ................................................................................ 12, 14, 15, 30, 31, 32, 34, 48, 51
Attenuator ................................................................................................................... 15, 34
Band .................................................... 12, 13, 14, 15, 22, 32, 36, 38, 45, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53
Full ................................................................................................................................ 32
Signal ............................................................................................................................ 32
Channel ......................................................................................... 12, 13, 14, 24, 25, 26, 27
Component. 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 29, 31, 32, 36, 41, 42, 52,
55, 56, 57
Connector.................................................................................................................... 15, 37
Coupler.............................................................................................................................. 14
Delete .......................................................................................................................... 19, 57
Design ................. 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 19, 21, 22, 37, 41, 42, 43, 44, 47, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58
Efficiency
Conversion .................................................................................................................... 49
Erbium........................................................... 2, 5, 12, 18, 20, 21, 23, 43, 44, 46, 52, 53, 56
Error ................................................................................................................ 43, 44, 46, 54
Fiber . 2, 5, 10, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 36, 37, 40, 41, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, 50, 52, 53,
56
Filter................................................................................................ 2, 14, 16, 32, 34, 39, 54
Fiber Bragg Grating ................................................................................................ 16, 39
Gain Flattening Filter.............................................................................. 3, 15, 32, 39, 54
Flatness ....................................................................................................................... 49, 54
Frequency.................................................................................................................... 24, 25
G Star ................................................................................................................................ 23
Gain................................................................................................. 2, 10, 14, 39, 48, 49, 54
Global.......................................................................................................................... 43, 47
Global Parameter .......................................................................................................... 43
Graph................................................... 23, 25, 30, 31, 32, 34, 41, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 58, 59
Inversion ......................................................................................................... 44, 46, 47, 52
Isolator ........................................................................................................................ 14, 31
Iteration ....................................................................... 15, 34, 36, 42, 47, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59
ITU.................................................................................................................. 12, 13, 24, 26
Grid ............................................................................................................................... 24
Source ..................................................................................................................... 12, 24
Load .............................................................................................................. 5, 9, 18, 22, 32
Loss ................................................................................................................................... 32
Loss Spectrum............................................................................................................... 32
Move ......................................................................................................... 10, 11, 19, 20, 53
Nest ................................................................................................................. 55, 56, 58, 59
Noise ........................................................................................................................... 10, 48
Noise Figure............................................................................................................ 10, 48
Optimization ................................................................................... 2, 14, 32, 39, 47, 54, 55

Parameter ... 2, 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 26, 29, 30, 31, 34, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 48, 54,
55, 56, 57, 58, 59
Giles ........................................................................................................................ 12, 23
Power .................... 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 34, 38, 40, 43, 49, 50, 51, 53
Power Band....................................................................................................................... 50
P-P..................................................................................................................................... 49
Probe ....................................................................................... 10, 17, 20, 41, 48, 49, 50, 54
Propagation ....................................................................................................................... 50
Pump ..................................................................... 13, 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 36, 49, 50, 53
1480............................................................................................................................... 12
980................................................................................................................................. 12
Quantum............................................................................................................................ 49
RMS ............................................................................................................................ 49, 54
Saturation .......................................................................................................................... 23
Save............................................................................................... 20, 22, 42, 47, 48, 51, 57
Signal .................................................................................................. 12, 24, 26, 27, 32, 50
Simulation .. 2, 15, 22, 23, 32, 34, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 54, 55, 56, 58,
59
Source ............................................................................................. 2, 13, 16, 24, 25, 26, 27
Spectrum ................................................................................. 12, 14, 15, 24, 25, 32, 34, 39
Splice............................................................................................................... 12, 15, 36, 37
Splitter......................................................................................................................... 16, 40
Step Size................................................................................................................ 43, 44, 46
Tap .............................................................................................................................. 16, 38
Tilt..................................................................................................................................... 49
Transmission ................................................................................................... 30, 31, 32, 34
Wavelength 13, 14, 15, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, 38, 39, 40, 45, 49, 51, 58