Abstract
The minimum noise figure of an electrical amplifier is
Fe=1. E. Desurvire's traditional
optical noise Fpnf of an optical amplifier
has the minimum value Fpnf=2. If
Fpnf is a noise figure then power, gain
and Fe need to be redefined.
Fpnf is in conflict with physics and
Fe. The correct optical noise figure
Fo,IQ, observable in coherent I&Q
receivers, has the minimum Fo,IQ=1
and is compatible with Fe. In the
derivation of the consistent unified noise figure
FIQ for all frequencies, from
Fe and
Fo,IQ, thermal noise energy is
needed. Its usual simplified expression kT is now replaced by
Nyquist's correct result. This holds also in a unified homodyne
noise figure FI, against which H.
Haus' unified noise figure Ffas is
discussed.