Abstract: A system and method for improving performance of optical fiber networks. The combination of optical spectral inversion and dispersion management enhances performance in optical fiber transmission by controlling the effect of fiber nonlinearities. An optical fiber link, which includes a number of segments or spans, each with a length of fiber and an optical node (typically consisting of at least an amplifier), is provided with at least one spectral inverter, or an optical phase conjugator, connected in the link. Additionally, each span is provided with an amount of dispersion compensation, such as a length of appropriately chosen fiber, to compensate for dispersion as well as other distortion from dispersion's interplay with fiber nonlinear effects. Additional dispersion adjustment is provided in association with the spectral inverter.

Abstract: An optical amplifier suitable for use in optical communication systems such as for telecommunications or cable television provides, for purposes of wavelength division multiplexed communications, the ability to amplify optical signals in both the C band, L band, and S band using conventional EDFA amplifiers. The S band, normally not amplifiable by EDFAs, here is amplified by converting the S band signal to a C band optical signal, providing optical amplification by an EDFA, then reconverting the amplified C band optical signal back to the S band in the same or a subsequent amplifier stage. The wavelength converters are, for instance, periodically poled lithium niobate devices using three-wave mixing, and employing difference frequency generation techniques.