Wide bandwidth Raman amplifier capable of employing pump energy spectrally overlapping the signal
US6052219A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/302
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A Raman amplifier is provided that includes at least a portion of optical fiber in which an optical signal travels. The optical fiber portion may encompass all or part of the optical transmission path of an optical communication system. A pump energy unit is provided that includes first and second pump sources providing pump power at first and second wavelengths, respectively. The first and second wavelengths generate first and second overlapping gain profiles in the optical fiber portion. An optical circulator has a first port receiving the pump power, a second port providing the pump power to the optical fiber and receiving the optical signal, and a third port transmitting the optical signal received from the second port. As a result of this arrangement, a Raman amplifier is provided in which the bandwidth is substantially increased over the bandwidth that can be achieved by the previously mentioned Raman amplifier.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.