Coherent light generators – Particular component circuitry – Optical pumping
Patent
1989-02-21
1990-09-11
Sikes, William L.
Coherent light generators
Particular component circuitry
Optical pumping
350 9629, 350 9615, 372 6, G02B 610
Patent
active
049556851
ABSTRACT:
An improved optical fiber is disclosed having particular application for use in a fiber optic communication system. The optical fiber includes an optically transparent core which is doped with a lasing material of the same type used in the diode laser transmitter of the particular communication system. The lasing dopant has the greatest density in the center of the core, and is diffused outward into an optically tranparent cladding surrounding the core which has an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction of the core. The optical fiber is "pumped" such that the lasing dopant within the fiber lases at a desired wavelength and provides gain for the original optical signal provided by the diode laser. The lasing of the dopant material within the fiber results in continuous optical gain along the length of the fiber and avoids the need for repeaters in the fiber optic communication system. Various pumping embodiments are disclosed including coating the outside of the cladding with a light emitting material, such as radium fluorescent paint, and providing a reflector on the outer surface of the fiber to reflect light generated by the radium through the cladding and into the core to achieve lasing. An alternate embodiment is disclosed in which an electroluminescent material coats the outer surface of the cladding, such that upon the application of voltage along the length of the fiber, the electroluminescent material generates photon energy and pumps the dopant within the core to achieve lasing.
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Ngo John
Sikes William L.
Sun Microsystems Inc.
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