Abstract

The erbium-doped fibre amplifier (EDFA) and the semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) are now firmly established as key components for optical networks and telecommunications systems. EDFA's offer high gain and low noise performance, combined with high efficiency and polarization insensitive operation. These characteristics suit the EDFA to lightwave systems operating in the 1.55m wavelength range. Applications of SOA's generally lie in areas where polarization sensitivity is not a critical factor and the small size of a semiconductor device and the ability to integrate the device with waveguides and other components is important.

© 1993 Optical Society of America