Semiconductor optical amplifier with a reduced noise figure
Issued patent
A semiconductor optical amplifier for amplifying an optical signal. The amplifier comprises an input for receiving the optical signal and an output for outputting an amplified version of the optical signal. A semiconductor active medium is provided for defining an amplification path extending between the input and the output for amplifying the optical signal as the optical signal propagates along the amplification path. A control means selectively controls the amplified spontaneous emission
Sale, License agreement
Patent Number: US8384993B2
Application Number: US2009626373A
Inventor: Landais, Pascal | Surre, Frederic
Priority Date: 26 Nov 2008
Priority Number: US8384993B2
Application Date: 25 Nov 2009
Publication Date: 26 Feb 2013
IPC Current: H01S0005026 | H01S0005065
US Class: 359344 | 359346
Assignee Applicant: Dublin City University,Dublin
Title: Semiconductor optical amplifier with a reduced noise figure
Usefulness: Semiconductor optical amplifier with a reduced noise figure
Summary: Semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) for use in signal processing element and electronic chip (both claimed).
Novelty: Semiconductor optical amplifier for use in e.g. signal processing element, has controller that is operated with active medium for selectively varying carrier density along amplification path so that optical signal is amplified
Optics
Optical Fiber
US
The innovative SOAs performance is a vital step towards the full integration of thid device in the all-optical telecommunications networks. Currently, erbium-doped-fibre amplifiers (EDFAs) are the main actor on the optical amplifier market thanks to thier good performances. SOAs are far greater in terms of their low-cost, versatility to achieve all-optical signal processing and logical functions, and integrability.
Telecommunications, Semiconductor, Optical Amplifier
Ireland