Technological modernization of optical amplifiers by erbium doped fiber

• Grant number: 98/07978-4
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: November 01, 1998
• End date: July 31, 2002
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Electrical, Magnetic and Electronic Circuits
• Principal Investigator: Ildefonso Félix de Faria Júnior
• Grantee: Ildefonso Félix de Faria Júnior
• Company: Optolink Indústria e Comércio Sociedade Ltda
• City: Campinas

Abstract

The objective of this project is the improvement of the technology of Optical Amplifiers by Fiber Doping with Erbium (AFDE), as well as the establishment of a laboratory, dedicated to the product. AFDEs are pieces of equipment for the amplification of optical signals transmitted via optical fibers, fed by a source that is also optical (semiconductor laser, high powered optical electronic devices). We are dealing with a technology initially developed by the Center for Research and Development of Telecommunications (CPqD/Telebrás) and that has undergone technological modernization over the last six months. The fundamental changes in the initial project were the design of an electronic control system based on micro-processing circuits and the construction of a measuring device that allows the monitoring of the internal parameters of the amplifiers, as well as the current and temperature of the base laser; optical potential at the entrance and exit of the amplifier; RS232 interface for interlinking with the supervision and management systems of telephone exchanges. For the second phase, the development will be taken forward, concentrating attention on the module of optical gain. Special filters will be used so as to equalize the optical gain in the operational band which, in addition to producing a planar gain, will allow a small broadening of the amplifier’s optical band. Special optical fibers will be used and also a rounding design to produce amplifiers in the optical band of 1570 to 1610 nm, band L). (AU)