US5287217A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Optical amplification at the 1.31 wavelength
Assignee: United States Department of Energy
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Filing: 1993-03-30
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Granted: 1994-02-15
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Expires: 2013-03-30
Abstract
Abstract An optical amplifier operating at the 1.31 μm wavelength for use in such applications as telecommunications, cable television, and computer systems. An optical fiber or other waveguide device is doped with both Tm 3+ and Pr 3+ ions. When pumped by a diode laser operating at a wavelength of 785 nm, energy is transferred from the Tm 3+ ions to the Pr 3+ ions, causing the Pr 3+ ions to amplify at a wavelength of 1.31
Inventors
- 👤 Nigel J. Cockroft
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 02:28
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/05; H01S3/06; H01S3/063; H01S3/067; H01S3/06708; H01S3/06716; H01S2302/00; H01S2303/00; H01S3/14; H01S3/16; H01S3/1601; H01S3/1603; H01S3/1613; H01S3/1616; H01S3/1691; H01S3/1698; H01S3/17; H01S3/173
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
56 words
An amplifier for a 1.31 μm wavelength comprising: an optical fiber doped with Tm 3+ ions and Pr 3+ ions; and laser means for pumping said Tm 3+ ions at a wavelength of approximately 785 nm; wherein said Tm 3+ ions transfer energy to said Pr 3+ ions which amplify signals at said 1.31 μm wavelength.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
56 words
An amplifier for a 1.31 μm wavelength comprising: an optical fiber doped with Tm 3+ ions and Pr 3+ ions; and laser means for pumping said Tm 3+ ions at a wavelength of approximately 785 nm; wherein said Tm 3+ ions transfer energy to said Pr 3+ ions which amplify signals at said 1.31 μm wavelength.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said optical fiber comprises a heavy metal glass.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said heavy metal glass comprises ZBLAN®fiber glass.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
63 words
An amplifier for a 1.31 μm wavelength comprising: an optical waveguide in a planar or channel configuration having inside and outside surfaces; a thin layer of glass or crystalline material doped with Tm 3+ ions and Pr 3+ ions on said inside surfaces of said optical waveguide; and laser means for dumping said Tm 3+ ions at a wavelength of approximately 785 nm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
63 words
An amplifier for a 1.31 μm wavelength comprising: an optical waveguide in a planar or channel configuration having inside and outside surfaces; a thin layer of glass or crystalline material doped with Tm 3+ ions and Pr 3+ ions on said inside surfaces of said optical waveguide; and laser means for dumping said Tm 3+ ions at a wavelength of approximately 785 nm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said laser means comprises a GaAlAs diode laser operating at a wavelength of approximately 785 nm.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
57 words
A method of amplifying signals having a wavelength of 1.31 μm comprising the steps of: doping a substrate with Tm 3+ ions and Pr 3+ ions; pumping said Tm 3+ ions with a diode laser operating at a wavelength of approximately 785 nm; wherein said Pr 3+ ions amplify said signals having a wavelength of 1.31 μm.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
57 words
A method of amplifying signals having a wavelength of 1.31 μm comprising the steps of: doping a substrate with Tm 3+ ions and Pr 3+ ions; pumping said Tm 3+ ions with a diode laser operating at a wavelength of approximately 785 nm; wherein said Pr 3+ ions amplify said signals having a wavelength of 1.31 μm.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-02-14 | 1997-08-16 | 1998-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-02-14 | 2001-08-16 | 2002-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-02-14 | 2005-08-16 | 2006-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |