Quantum-limited transmission distance of optically repeating systems using a hybrid EDFA/Raman-amplifier.

The transmission distance of optically repeating systems is ultimately bounded by quantum noises arising from attenuation and amplification. It is known that fiber Raman amplifiers (FRAs) can achieve longer quantum-limited distances than other amplification schemes owing to their distributed amplification characteristics. However, all-FRA systems are difficult to implement in practice. Therefore, a hybrid erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA)/FRA system may be a reasonable solution for long-haul transmission. In this study, the quantum-limited transmission distance of hybrid EDFA/FRA systems is investigated. A formula for the quantum fluctuation variance during transmission was derived based on quantum mechanical treatment. Calculation results obtained with the derived formula quantitatively indicate that the quantum-limited transmission distance increases as the EDFA/FRA hybrid ratio varies from EDFAs alone to FRAs alone.