Optimization of large-scale fiber sensor arrays incorporating multiple optical amplifiers. I. Signal-to-noise ratio

We report on optimizing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of large-scale fiber sensor arrays employing erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) telemetry with respect to the number of sensors per rung, the number of amplifiers per array, and the coupling ratio between the fiber buses and the rungs. Broad optimum regions are found, providing design flexibility to minimize pump power requirements. Simulations predict that 300 sensors can be multiplexed on a fiber pair while maintaining a high sensitivity (1 /spl mu/rad//spl radic/(Hz)) for all sensors with a moderate input pump power (<1 W).