Design optimization of high power and low RIN lasers for efficient Raman co-pumping

We experimentally characterize high-power (up to 2 W) and low-noise lasers, based on counter-pumped discrete Raman amplifiers, for efficient first- and higher-order distributed Raman co-pumping. We show that a proper optimization of the active fiber parameters effectively minimizes the output pump RIN. © 2007 Optical Society of America.