Switching fiber optic amplifier
US4554510A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 1983 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 12, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/1643
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fiber optic amplifier utilizes a crystal fiber of laser material to bidirectionally amplify light signals. This amplifier permits the application of both pumping illumination and the signal to be amplified to the end of the crystal fiber to avoid the disadvantages inherent in side pumping this fiber. End pumping is accomplished by taking advantage of the slow spontaneous fluorescence of the laser crystal to sequentially apply the pumping illumination and then the signal to be amplified to the crystal. This sequential application of signals is made possible through the use of a switchable coupler which allows light to be selectively coupled from either of a pair of input optical fibers to a single output optical fiber which is coupled to the crystal fiber. The pumping illumination is initially supplied to the crystal fiber to invert the ions within the crystal. Once these ions are inverted, the coupler is switched to permit the application of the signal to be amplified to the crystal, and the application of pumping illumination is temporarily discontinued. The signal to be amplified propagates through the crystal to stimulate emission of coherent light from the laser material resu…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.