Multi-Core Fiber Amplifier Layout for Low-Loss Multi-Band Gain
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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 couple and amplify signal light in multiple wavelength bands by employing optical multiplexing and demultiplexing means, eliminating the need for additional optical demultiplexers and multiplexers, and incorporating excitation light adjusters to optimize power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical demultiplexers and multiplexers are used to supply residual excitation light from one multi-core EDF to another, then multiple wavelength bands can be amplified using a single excitation light source, but light loss increases and amplification efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the excitation light paths by directly coupling residual excitation light from the first multi-core EDF to the second multi-core EDF without inserting optical demultiplexers and multiplexers. This combining approach eliminates the intermediate components that cause light loss, while still enabling amplification across multiple wavelength bands (C-band and L-band) through the cascaded EDF configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical demultiplexers and multiplexers are used to supply residual excitation light, then one excitation light source can excite multiple MC-EDFs, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the device by merging the excitation light delivery system, eliminating optical demultiplexers and multiplexers from the configuration. The single excitation light source excites the first MC-EDF, and the residual excitation light is directly transferred to the second MC-EDF, reducing the number of components while maintaining the ability to amplify multiple wavelength bands.
3Productivity
If residual excitation light is absorbed in the second multi-core EDF, then amplification of signal light in the L-band is achieved, but overall power efficiency decreases due to losses in optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves power efficiency by merging the excitation light paths and eliminating lossy optical components. The residual excitation light that would otherwise be lost in demultiplexers and multiplexers is directly coupled into the second MC-EDF, ensuring that more of the original excitation power is effectively utilized for amplifying signal light in the L-band.
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 across multiple wavelength bands using a single excitation light source.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-core fiber amplifier (MCF amplifier) using the MCF as an excitation fiber is also known. An MCF in which erbium (Er) is added to a core is also referred to as a multi-core erbium-doped fiber (MC-EDF).
Data Source
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.