Fiber Amplifiers for 1.3 um Optical Fiber Systems

SDL, Inc. (formerly Spectra Diode Laboratories) proposes to develop a low-cost optical fiber amplifier for 1.3 um optical fiber systems. Although the development of 1.55 um Er-doped fiber amplifiers have revolutionized 1.55 um fiber communications, the vast majority of installed fiber systems is designed for 1.3 um transmission, and there is no existing fiber amplifier technology that can address this large installed base. SDL proposes to developed a 1.3 um fiber amplifier module based on Praeseodyniumdoped doped fluoride-based fibers and a unique high power semiconductor pump laser. The combination of these two technologies in a robust amplifier module enables the use of currently installed fiber for enormously expanded digital and analog services; including voice, video, and data transmission. Anticipated Benefits: The proposed fiber amplifier module will greatly expand the capabilities of existing 1.3 um fiber systems which inlucee the majority of all present telecommunications and CATV systems. Robust fiber amplifiers at 1.3 um withtheir low cross-talk and low distortion will enable high data rate communications (e.g., Wavelength Division Multiplexing), as well as high fan-out systems (e.g. 'fiber to-the-home) to be implemented using currently installed fiber.