Optical Network Building Blocks- Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers
Semiconductor Optical Amplifier
(SOA) is a device that can magnify an optical signal without changing it into
an electrical signal. It has immense use in the optical communication network
systems. SOAs are used as in-line amplifiers in optical communication as well
as laser physics. A Semiconductor
Optical Amplifier works like a laser diode but with a difference. The end
mirrors of SOA have an anti-reflection coating or non-reflecting ends. This
ensures that light is not dispersed and the optical signal is amplified
resulting in a better quality of the signal.
A good SOA can be used in fiber optic cables which have become the backbone of
telecommunication network all over the world.
How does Semiconductor Optical Amplifier work?
A
fiber optic amplifier works by amplifying optical signals directly, without
first converting it into electrical signals. It also supports multi-channel
operations across a wide bandwidth. Unlike other optical amplifiers, a
Semiconductor Optical Amplifier uses a semiconductor to provide the
amplification of wavelength across the distance. This is achieved by the
anti-reflection design coating at both ends. SOAs are provided with stimulation
(electric current) to amplify the optical
signal.
What qualities should a good Semiconductor Optical
Amplifier possess?
Optical
communication networks hugely depend on optical amplifiers which can transmit
signals over long distances without causing any loss. The parameters to be
considered before purchasing a Semiconductor
Optical Amplifier are:
· Gain: highest gain
appropriate to the usage
· Gain bandwidth: wide
optical bandwidth helps in amplifying a wide range of signal wavelengths
· Saturation output power:
high saturation output power achieves good linearity, provides maximum range
with minimum distortion
· Noise figure: low noise
figure reduces amplified spontaneous emission power at output
· Polarization dependent
gain: very low polarization sensitivity minimizes the gain difference between the 2 polarization states.
·
Why is
Semiconductor Optical Amplifier preferred over other amplifiers?
Since
most of the world is driven by the internet,
a good connection relies heavily on fiber optic cables. Semiconductor Optical Amplifier is
hugely in demand for the same as they offer certain advantages over their
contemporaries.
· Small in size
· Relatively less expensive
than other optical amplifiers
· Relatively less expensive
than other optical amplifiers
· All types of non-linear operations can be
conducted using them
· Can run with low power
lasers
Though Semiconductor Optical Amplifier,
has higher noise, lower gain, and
moderate polarization dependence, it provides high-speed
switching capabilities.
Comments
Post a Comment