Polarization maintaining fiber lasers and amplifiers
US6282016A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2019 |
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 particular, a fiber with a relatively large mode field diameter may be used to enable high pulse power applications. Wavelength selective components are 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).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.