Compact optical amplifier with integrated optical waveguide and pump source
US6208456A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 24, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/025
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical amplifier with integrated optical waveguide, pump source and other, optional components for amplifying an input optical signal coupled from a fiber optic. The amplifier includes a housing having these components mounted therein, and appropriate optics for coupling the input and output optical signals to and from the appropriate ports, and for carrying an optical pump signal from its source to the waveguide. The optical waveguide disclosed is a channel waveguide amplification chip, having a relatively small size; and the pump source disclosed is a laser diode capable of generating the optical pump signal internal to the housing with only electrical (e.g., power) signals applied thereto from outside of the housing. Other optional components may be provided for cooperative optical processing in the amplifier housing. The disclosed optical amplifier offers size and cost advantages over other known systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.