Abstract
Semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) are a versatile core technology and the basis for the implementation of a number of key functionalities central to the evolution of highly wavelength-agile all-optical networks. We present an overview of the state of the art of SOAs and summarize a range of applications such as power boosters, preamplifiers, optical linear (gain-clamped) amplifiers, optical gates, and modules based on the hybrid integration of SOAs to yield high-level functionalities such as all-optical wavelength converters/regenerators and small space switching matrices. Their use in a number of proposed optical packet switching situations is also highlighted.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 882-897 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Journal of Optical Networking |
| Volume | 3 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| Publication status | Published - 10 Nov 2004 |
Keywords
- fiber optics
- optical communications
- optoelectronics
- packet switching