Effects of multiple wave mixing and gain saturation in an ideal traveling wave semiconductor laser amplifier

Nonlinear distortions induced by four-wave mixing and gain saturation in a semiconductor laser amplifier can affect the overall performance of lightwave systems using such devices. A model which includes both types of distortion in a three-channel optical transmission system is presented. Large-signal analysis is used to calculate distortion in amplifiers operating near saturation. The technique provides more realistic predictions than the small-signal rate equation analysis used in previous theoretical studies of four-wave mixing in optical amplifiers.<
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