Noise Performance Optimization of a Fast Wavelength Calibration Algorithm for OSAs

Authors: Thomas Fuhrmann

Abstract:

A new fast correlation algorithm for calibrating the wavelength of Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSAs) was introduced in [1]. The minima of acetylene gas spectra were measured and correlated with saved theoretical data [2]. So it is possible to find the correct wavelength calibration data using a noisy reference spectrum. First tests showed good algorithmic performance for gas line spectra with high noise. In this article extensive performance tests were made to validate the noise resistance of this algorithm. The filter and correlation parameters of the algorithm were optimized for improved noise performance. With these parameters the performance of this wavelength calibration was simulated to predict the resulting wavelength error in real OSA systems. Long term simulations were made to evaluate the performance of the algorithm over the lifetime of a real OSA.

Keywords: correlation, gas reference, optical spectrum analyzer, wavelength calibration

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1334972

References:

[1] Fuhrmann, T. "Fast Wavelength Calibration Algorithm for Optical Spectrum Analyzers". International Journal of Information and Communication Engineering 6:1 2010, pp. 1-6.
[2] S. L. Gilbert, W. C. Swann "Acetylene 12C2H2 Absorption Reference for 1510 nm to 1540 nm Wavelength Calibration - SRM 2517a". NIST Special Publication 260-133, 2001.
[3] ITU-T "Spectral Grids for WDM applications: DWDM frequency grid". ITU-T, G694.1, 06/2002.
[4] K. Benzel, A. Conzelmann, T. Fuhrmann, E. Löcklin "Device for simultaneous analysis of multiple optical channels". European Patent EP 1106979, 1999.
[5] JDSU "ONT Platforms, Optical Spectrum Analyzer Modules". JDSU Product Overview.
[6] A. Savitzky, M. J. E. Golay "Smoothing and Differentiation of Data by Simplified Least Square Procedure". Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 36, No. 8, pp. 1627-1639, 1964.