Full combined C and L bands optical amplifier and method
AssigneeTellamon Photonic Networks Inc.
InventorsHamid Hatami-Hanza, Nima Ahmadvand
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Abstract
An optical amplifier for two adjacent bands of optical data channels provides gain across the entire spectrum, including the so-called dead-band, by splitting the entire input signal equally into two paths. One path is optimized to amplify one band and the other path is optimized to amplify the other. An optical delay in one path, usually the one optimized for the lower wavelength band, ensures equal optical path lengths for the two paths. The amplified signals in that two paths are then combined to yield or flat gain profile across the two bands and the gap in-between.
Claims18
An optical signal amplifier for amplifying at least first and second bands of optical data channels separated by a band gap having spectral width substantially less than each band's spectral width, comprising:
- (a) optical signal splitter means at an input of said amplifier for splitting signals in said at least first and second bands and said band gap into first and second paths,
- (b) first optical signal gain means in said first path for amplifying said fist band;
- (c) second signal gain means in said second path for amplifying said second band;
- (d) optical signal combiner means for combining signals amplified by said first and second optical signal gain means onto an output of said amplifier.
A method for amplifying two adjacent bands of optical data channels separated by a band gap, comprising the steps of
- (a) splitting all optical signals in said two adjacent bands and said band gap into first and second optical paths;
- (b) separately amplifying optical signals in said fist and second optical paths;
- and
- (c) combining the amplified optical signals in said fist and second optical paths into a single path.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.