Optical amplifier based on electro-optic effect for electrical signals and its application as semiconductor radiation detector preamplifier

A preamplifier for amplification of an electrical signal for detection by a semiconductor radiation detector comprising:

• an electro-optic (EO) medium comprising a first mirror and a second mirror for receiving the electrical signal, wherein applying the electrical signal to the EO medium causes a change to an effective index of refraction;
• a monochromatic laser source configured to emit a laser towards the EO medium directly or indirectly to bounce inside the EO medium many times in order to increase a phase shift of the laser;
• a device configured for measuring the change to the effective index of refraction;
• and
• a photodetector configured to convert the change to the effective index of refraction into an amplified electrical current output signal.

A method of amplifying an electrical signal comprising:

• receiving the electrical signal at an electro-optic (EO) medium comprising a first mirror and a second mirror, wherein applying the electrical signal to the EO medium causes a change to an effective index of refraction;
• emitting, using a monochromatic laser source, a laser either directly or indirectly towards the EO medium to bounce inside the EO medium many times in order to increase a phase shift of the laser;
• measuring, using a device, the change to the effective index of refraction;
• and
• converting, using a photodetector, the change to the effective index of refraction into an amplified electrical current output signal.