Optical: systems and elements – Optical amplifier – Particular active medium
Reexamination Certificate
2002-01-16
2004-05-04
Hellner, Mark (Department: 3662)
Optical: systems and elements
Optical amplifier
Particular active medium
Reexamination Certificate
active
06731427
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fiber-optic communications networks, and more particularly, to semiconductor optical amplifiers used in such networks.
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 and semiconductor optical amplifiers are also being investigated for use in fiber-optic links.
One problem with existing semiconductor optical amplifiers is that their maximum output powers tend to be lower than the maximum output powers available from other types of amplifiers.
It is an object of the present invention to provide semiconductor optical amplifiers for use in fiber-optic communications systems.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide semiconductor optical amplifiers that are capable of handling relatively high maximum output powers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other objects of the invention are accomplished in accordance with the present invention by providing semiconductor optical amplifiers for use in optical amplifiers and other optical network equipment in fiber-optic communications networks. The fiber-optic networks may include communications links that are used to carry optical data signals associated with wavelength-division-multiplexing channels.
Semiconductor optical amplifiers may be provided that use multiple semiconductor optical amplifier devices. Isolators may be used between semiconductor devices to increase the overall power handling capacity of the semiconductor amplifiers.
Semiconductor optical amplifier devices may be provided that have increased power handling capabilities. These devices may use nonuniform drive current densities to enhance the output power capabilities of the devices without inducing lasing.
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.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4745612 (1988-05-01), Hayakawa et al.
patent: 5189679 (1993-02-01), Derry et al.
patent: 5208183 (1993-05-01), Chen et al.
patent: 5218613 (1993-06-01), Serreze
patent: 5287377 (1994-02-01), Fukuzawa et al.
patent: 5345456 (1994-09-01), Dai et al.
patent: 5430759 (1995-07-01), Yokev et al.
patent: 5946129 (1999-08-01), Xu et al.
patent: 6014235 (2000-01-01), Norte
patent: 6028875 (2000-02-01), Knight et al.
patent: 6052222 (2000-04-01), Kitamaura
patent: 6122306 (2000-09-01), Sartoriuos et al.
patent: 6141477 (2000-10-01), Kitamura
patent: 6186631 (2001-02-01), Behringer et al.
patent: 6192058 (2001-02-01), Abeles
patent: 6215805 (2001-04-01), Sartorious et al.
Silver et al. “Design and ASE Characteristics of 1550-nm Polarization Insensitive Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers Containing Tensile and Compressive Wells” IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics, vol. 36, No. 1, p. 118-122, Jan., 2000.
Ryu et al. “Fabrication and Analysis of Polarization Insensitive 1.55&mgr;m InGaAsP/InP Quantum Well Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers” p. 642.
Liu et al. “A Study on the Polarization Sensitive Performance of the Strained Quantum Well Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers.” SPIE vol. 3896, p. 494-498 Nov., Dec., 1999.
Schimpe et al. “Compact 2×2 Switch with Optical Ampifier Gates” CLEO, 1994, p. 77.
Kitamura et al. “Angled Facet S-Bend Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers for High-Gain and Large-Extinction Ratio” IEEE Photonics Technology Letters, vol. 11, No. 7 (Jul., 1999).
Saini et al. “Lossless 1×2 Optical Switch Monolithically Integrated on a Passive Active Resonant Coupler (PARC) Platform” IEEE Photonics Technology Letters, vol. 12, No. 7, Jul. 2000.
Hellner Mark
Onetta Inc.
Treyz G. Victor
LandOfFree
Semiconductor optical amplifier systems does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Semiconductor optical amplifier systems, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Semiconductor optical amplifier systems will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3232056