Keywords

Optical pumping, semiconductor optical amplifier, optical communications

Subject Categories

Electrical and Electronics | Semiconductor and Optical Materials

Abstract

Semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) offer a low-cost, compact solution for power amplification needs in an optical communication system compared with the dominant erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs). They can also provide a wide gain bandwidth. However, conventional electrically-pumped SOAs suffer from larger noise figures, low saturation power, and polarization dependence, in comparison with EDFAs. We propose an optically-pumped SOA (OP-SOA) that will maintain the benefits of conventional SOAs while closing the gaps in other amplifier performance metrics. The underlying reasons for optical pumping are twofold. First, optical pumping allows higher carrier injection and thus "population inversion." Second, optical pumping decouples carrier injection and optical confinement (waveguiding), resulting in lower loss and a larger optical mode size. In free space optical communication systems, these OP-SOAs can be used as low noise preamplifiers for receivers. The OP-SOAs and pump lasers are also easily integrated into photonic circuits, which will support the rapid scaling of datacenter traffic in the artificial intelligence age.

Completion Date

2026

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Li, Guifang

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Optics and Photonics

Department

Optics and Photonics PhD

Format

PDF

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Download

Share

COinS
 

Accessibility Statement

This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.