Distributed optical parametric amplifier

Abstract

A parametric amplifier including a semiconductor body portion (10) comprising a plurality of zones (11,13,15, . . . ) of a first conductivity type, each of the zones having a thickness less than or equal to the Debye length in the semiconductor body portion (11,13,15, . . . ), each of the zones being separated from one another by corresponding insulating layers (12,14, . . . ). The body portion has a first edge portion abutting a first edge of the plurality of zones, and a second edge portion abutting a second edge of the plurality of zones spaced apart from said first edge. A first interface (20) is provided adjacent the first edge portion for transmitting an electromagnetic wave into the semiconductor body portion for propagation therein; and a second interface (21) is provided adjacent the second edge portion for receiving an electromagnetic wave propagating in the body portion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.