Branched Optical Amplifier Layout for Low-Noise Variable Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical amplifiers require a broadband gain-variable operation while minimizing noise figure, but existing solutions, such as those using bar-cross switches, have complex configurations that are not simple.
Innovation Solution
An optical amplifier design with a first and second branch path, each containing an erbium-doped fiber amplification medium, optical switches, and gain equalizers to adjust gain wavelength characteristics, allowing for variable gain operation without a bar-cross switch, thus simplifying the configuration and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bar-cross switch is used to enable gain-variable operation, then broadband gain control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical amplification function into multiple independent Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) with different gain characteristics. Each amplifier handles a specific gain range, and they are connected in parallel. The optical switch selects between these segmented amplification paths, enabling gain-variable operation without requiring a complex bar-cross switch configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical amplification media are used for broadband operation, then gain bandwidth is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each optical amplification path to be multi-functional, capable of operating across a broad wavelength range. The optical switches and gain equalizers are configured to work with multiple amplification media simultaneously, allowing the system to achieve broadband operation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through functional integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex switch configurations are used for gain control, then gain variability is improved, but noise figure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching function from the amplification paths and places it at the input stage, before the optical signals enter the amplification media. By using optical switches to select between pre-configured amplification paths rather than switching within the amplification media themselves, the system reduces noise generation while maintaining gain variability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables broadband gain-variable operation with suppressed noise figure and improved reliability and cost-effectiveness by reducing the number of erbium-doped fibers and eliminating complex switch configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a first excitation light coupler configured to synthesize the optical communication signal and an excitation light
Implementation Method 2
a first optical amplification medium provided downstream of the first excitation light coupler and configured to amplify the optical communication signal by the excitation light
Implementation Method 3
a second optical amplification medium configured to amplify the optical communication signal by the excitation light
Implementation Method 4
a first gain equalizer provided downstream of the second excitation light coupler and configured to correct gain wavelength characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
An optical amplifier according to the present disclosure includes a first excitation light coupler, a first optical amplification medium, a first optical switch configured to output the optical communication signal output from the first optical amplification medium to either a first branch path HGP or a second branch path, and a second optical switch configured to transmit the optical communication signal transmitted through the branch path to downstream, and the first branch HGP path includes a second optical amplification medium, a second excitation light coupler configured to synthesize the optical communication signal and the excitation light directed towards the second optical amplification medium, and a first gain equalizer, and the second branch path includes a third excitation coupler configured to synthesize the optical communication signal and the excitation light directed towards the first optical switch, and a second gain equalizer.