Long-wavelength optical fiber amplifier
US6201637A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 13, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 4, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/094023
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An long-wavelength optical fiber amplifier includes an erbium doped optical fiber (EDF) for amplifying an input signal light having a wavelength in the range of 1580 nanometers (nm) using pump light, a pumping unit positioned in front of and to the rear of the erbium doped optical fiber, for supplying the pump light to the erbium doped optical fiber, and an amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) reflecting unit positioned in front of the pumping unit, for coupling backward amplified spontaneous emission generated in the erbium doped optical fiber to the long-wavelength input signal light and inputting again the same to the erbium doped optical fiber. Fewer laser diodes and optical devices are necessary in amplifying an signal light having a long wavelength, by providing a reflector for reflecting amplified spontaneous emission. Also, the gain is increased in the case when the power of an input signal is small.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.