Semiconductor optical amplifiers: performance and applications in optical packet switching [Invited]

Armstrong, I. and Andonovic, I. and Kelly, A.E. (2004) Semiconductor optical amplifiers: performance and applications in optical packet switching [Invited]. Journal of Optical Networking, 3 (12). pp. 882-897. ISSN 1536-5379

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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.

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