Polarization maintaining fiber lasers and amplifiers
US6049415A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 8, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/2333
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A number of variations are provided of a device that provides an amplified single polarization optical signal. Each of these relies on the use of a non-polarization maintaining gain medium through which the signal is directed, and a polarization shifter and reflector that direct the signal back through the same gain medium with a shifted polarization state. An input polarization beamsplitter directs the returning optical signal away to an output, based on its shifted polarization state. The embodiments of the invention include the use of double-clad fiber. Multiple stages may be used to provide specific amplification parameters. In one embodiment, both amplification stages reside in the same polarization shifting optical path. A polarization maintaining amplifier of this type may be used as part of a master oscillator-power amplifier, in which polarization maintaining fiber is used as part of the source laser. Wavelength selective components are also used in certain embodiments of the invention, to allow for wavelength selectivity, as well as a single polarization state, in amplifiers, lasers and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). In one embodiment, an optical circulator is used…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.