Modular optical amplifier and cassette system
US5778132A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4454
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides modular optical amplifier constituents suitable for constructing optical amplifiers of various designs and modular fiber optic cassettes. Each stage of a multiple stage optical amplifier is housed in a separate optical cassette. Optical pump(s) are separately packaged in pump modules to further simplify amplifier design and enhance amplifier manufacturability. In an exemplary embodiment, a modular optical amplifier is constructed comprising a first amplifier housing including a first optical cassette for holding a first amplifier stage. Cassette regions are provided for receiving one or more passive optical components used with the first stage of the optical amplifier. A first length of rare-earth doped optical fiber is retained by cassette retaining projections and optically communicates with a pump interconnection element. A second amplifier housing is provided comprising a second optical cassette for holding a second amplifier stage in a substantially similar manner as the first optical cassette. At least one optical pump is retained in an optical pump housing separate from the first and second optical cassettes for supplying pump energy to the opt…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.