Efficient in-band pumping of Holmium-doped optical fiber amplifiers
US11870205B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S2301/04
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fiber-based optical amplifier for operation at an eye-safe input signal wavelength λS within the 2 μm region is formed to include a section of Holmium (Ho)-doped optical gain fiber. The pump source for the fiber amplifier is particularly configured to provide pump light at a wavelength where the absorption coefficient of the Ho-doped optical gain fiber exceeds its gain coefficient (referred to as an “absorption-dominant pump wavelength”), and is typically within the range of 1800-1900 nm. The selection of an absorption-dominant pump wavelength limits the spontaneous emission of the pump from affecting the amount of gain achieved at the higher wavelength end of the operating region. The amount of crosstalk between the signal wavelength and pump wavelength is also reduced (in comparison to using the conventional 1940 nm pump wavelength).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.