A Model for the Prediction of EDFA Gain in a Space Radiation Environment

Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) were irradiated with /sup 60/Co /spl gamma/-rays up to a total dose of 3 kGy. Gain measurements and 1310-nm absorption were achieved during the irradiation to characterize the radiation-induced damage on the fiber. A model based on classical equations was developed to perform accurate predictions of the effects of radiation on EDFAs. This model was shown to be consistent with the experiment at various dose rates and temperatures, therefore allowing the extrapolation to a space environment simulation.