Optical amplifiers with stable output power under low input power conditions
US6687049B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 3, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/1305
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Optical amplifiers and optical network equipment are provided that have optical gain stages for amplifying optical signals on a fiber-optic communications link. The optical gain stages may be based on optically pumped fiber such as rare-earth-doped fiber. The fiber may be optically pumped using laser diode pumps. A control unit may be provided in the amplifiers or other equipment to control the laser diode pumps. Optical monitors may be used to measure the optical signals in the amplifiers or other equipment. The pump powers of the laser diode pumps may be adjusted in real time by the control unit based on the measured optical signals to suppress gain transients due to input power fluctuations on the link. To minimize the impact of pump-induced noise, the control unit may avoid operating the laser diodes at powers at which the laser diodes are most susceptible to mode partition noise.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.