Multi-Core Fiber Amplifier Layout for Low-Loss Multi-Band Pump Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing multi-core fiber amplifiers suffer from increased loss of excitation and signal light due to the use of optical demultiplexers and multiplexers, leading to decreased efficiency in amplifying light beams across multiple wavelength bands.
Innovation Solution
A multi-core fiber amplifier configuration that uses a single excitation light source to excite multiple amplification stages via optical multiplexing and demultiplexing means, eliminating the need for additional optical components and optimizing the amplification process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical demultiplexers and multiplexers are used to supply residual excitation light to the second multi-core EDF, then the amplifier can excite multiple MC-EDFs using one excitation light source, but the loss of excitation light and signal light increases and amplification efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the excitation light paths by directly coupling the output end of the first MC-EDF to the input end of the second MC-EDF, eliminating the need for separate demultiplexer and multiplexer components. This direct connection allows residual excitation light to be transferred between amplifiers without additional component losses, resolving the contradiction between multi-amplifier excitation capability and light loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical demultiplexers and multiplexers are used to supply residual excitation light to the second multi-core EDF, then the amplifier can excite multiple MC-EDFs using one excitation light source, but the efficiency of the amplifier decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the excitation light transmission path by directly connecting the first MC-EDF output to the second MC-EDF input, removing intermediate demultiplexer and multiplexer components. This integration eliminates additional insertion losses and improves overall amplification efficiency while maintaining the capability to excite multiple amplifiers with a single light source.
3Quantity of substance
If residual excitation light is transferred from the first MC-EDF to the second MC-EDF, then one excitation light source can be used for multiple amplifiers, but additional optical components increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the excitation light path by directly coupling MC-EDF modules in series, eliminating the need for separate demultiplexer and multiplexer components. This approach reduces device complexity by removing unnecessary optical components while still enabling a single excitation light source to effectively pump multiple amplifier stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the MC-EDF modules multi-functional by designing them to serve both as amplification media and as light transmission conduits. The output end of each MC-EDF directly feeds the input end of the next MC-EDF, allowing the same component structure to perform both amplification and light guiding functions, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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
This configuration improves the efficiency of the multi-core optical amplifier by reducing light loss and enhancing power conversion efficiency, allowing for effective amplification of light beams in multiple wavelength bands.
Implementation Method 1
a first amplification means including a multi-core fiber in which a rare-earth element is added, for inputting output light from the first optical multiplexing means, and amplifying and outputting at least the first signal light
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-core fiber amplifier includes: a first optical multiplexer that couples excitation light with first signal light of a first wavelength band and second signal light of a second wavelength band, and outputs coupled light; a first amplifier that includes a rare-earth doped multi-core fiber, inputs output light from the first optical multiplexer, and amplifies and outputs the first signal light; a first optical demultiplexer that demultiplexes output light from the first amplifier into the first signal light, and the second signal light and the excitation light, and outputs demultiplexed light; a second amplifier that includes a rare-earth doped multi-core fiber , inputs the second signal light and the excitation light from the first optical demultiplexer, and amplifies and outputs the input second signal light; and a second optical multiplexer that multiplexes the first signal light from the first optical demultiplexer and the second signal light from the second amplifier.