Optical: systems and elements – Optical amplifier – Correction of deleterious effects
Reexamination Certificate
2001-07-09
2002-11-19
Hellner, Mark (Department: 3663)
Optical: systems and elements
Optical amplifier
Correction of deleterious effects
C359S337100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06483631
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fiber-optic communications network equipment, and more particularly, to tilt controllers for optical amplifiers for use in fiber-optic communications links.
Fiber-optic networks are used to support voice and data communications. In optical networks that use wavelength division multiplexing, multiple wavelengths of light are used to support multiple communications channels on a single fiber.
Optical amplifiers are used in fiber-optic networks to amplify optical signals. For example, optical amplifiers may be used to amplify optical data signals that have been subject to attenuation over fiber-optic paths. A typical amplifier may include erbium-doped fiber coils that are pumped with diode lasers. Raman amplifiers have also been investigated. Discrete Raman amplifiers may use coils of dispersion-compensating fiber to provide Raman gain. Distributed Raman amplifiers provide gain in the transmission fiber spans that are used to carry optical data signals between network nodes.
It is an object of the present invention to provide spectral tilt controllers.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide optical network equipment such as optical amplifiers with spectral tilt controllers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other objects of the invention are accomplished in accordance with the present invention by providing spectral tilt controllers for optical amplifiers and other optical network equipment for use in fiber-optic communications links in fiber-optic networks. The fiber-optic links may be used to carry optical data signals associated with wavelength-division-multiplexing channels.
The tilt controllers may be used to adjust the gain or output power spectrum of an optical amplifier or to modify the optical data signal spectrum in other optical network equipment. In an erbium-doped fiber amplifier, for example, a tilt controller may be used to adjust for the tilt created by changing inversion levels in the erbium-doped fiber or created by different signal loading conditions on a communications link.
Tilt controllers may use mechanical actuators to position a substrate relative to an optical beam. Dielectric filters or other spectral filter arrangements having various different tilt characteristics may be implemented on the same substrate. Spectral tilt and average spectral attenuation values may be adjusted using the tilt controllers if desired.
Further features of the invention and its nature and various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
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Cheng Yuh-Jen
Monnard Rene H.
Fish & Neave
Hellner Mark
Onetta Inc.
Treyz G. Victor
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