Abstract:
In accordance with the invention an optical fiber communication system comprising a source of optical signals and an optical fiber transmission line is provided with one or more multiple-order distributed Raman effect amplifiers downstream of the source for amplifying the transmitted signals. As compared with a communication system using conventional first order Raman amplifiers, multiple-order amplifier systems can have reduced noise, longer fiber span lengths and reduced nonlinearities. In a preferred embodiment the system uses signal wavelengths in the range 1530-1570 nm, first order Raman pumping at 1430-1475 nm and second order pumping at about 1345 nm. Advantageously, the second order pump light is copropagating with the signal light and the first order pump is counterpropagating with the signal.
Abstract:
The deposition rate of MCVD processes is enhanced by applying to the outside of the deposition tube (101) at least a first (107) and a second (103) independently controlled heat source to a plurality of reactant vapours flowing in the tube which are used to form deposited particulate matter on the inside of the tube (101). The first heat source (107) is adjusted so as to provide at least a specified rate of reaction for the reactants, and the second source (103) is adjusted so as to provide at least a specified deposition rate on the inside of the tube (101) for the particulate matter formed by the chemical vapour reaction.
Abstract:
At least some rare earth-doped optical fiber lasers are subject to self-pulsing and/or relatively high noise. We have found that these shortcomings can be eliminated if the cavity length of the fiber laser is increased, typically by inclusion of a length Λ of rare earth-free conventional (single mode) transmission fiber (44) in the cavity, with Λ > 0.3L, where L is the effective cavity length of the laser.
Abstract:
In an optical fiber light source a section of multimode fiber (51) is interposed between an energizing laser (e.g., a diode laser (49)) and a single mode fiber active medium (43). In a preferred embodiment the single mode fiber active medium is surrounded by a multimode cladding (45) coupled to the multimode fiber. The source may serve as a pump laser for a fiber amplifier (30) or as an amplified spontaneous emission source. Arrangements for coupling several energizing lasers to the active medium are also described.
Abstract:
In accordance with the invention, an optical communication system is provided with one or more automatic dispersion compensation modules. Each module has an adjustable dispersion element, a data integrity monitor and a feedback network whereby the monitor adjusts the dispersion element to optimize system performance. In a preferred embodiment the dispersion compensating modules comprise chirped fiber Bragg gratings in which the chirp is induced in the grating by passing a current along distributed thin film heaters deposited along the length of the fiber. The magnitude of the applied current determines the dispersion of the grating. A data integrity monitor is configured to sense the integrity of transmitted data and to provide electrical feedback for controlling the current applied to the grating.
Abstract:
In an optical fiber light source a section of multimode fiber (51) is interposed between an energizing laser (e.g., a diode laser (49)) and a single mode fiber active medium (43). In a preferred embodiment the single mode fiber active medium is surrounded by a multimode cladding (45) coupled to the multimode fiber. The source may serve as a pump laser for a fiber amplifier (30) or as an amplified spontaneous emission source. Arrangements for coupling several energizing lasers to the active medium are also described.