Wide bandwidth Raman amplifier employing a pump unit generating a plurality of wavelengths
US6320884A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2018 |
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 gain profiles in the optical fiber portion. The first and second gain profiles overlap in wavelength. An optical coupler couples the pump power to the optical fiber portion. Since the gain profiles overlap, the Raman amplifier has a greater bandwidth than can be achieved with a pump operating at a single wavelength.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.