Patent ID: 6614591
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: H01S,H04B

Abstract:
An optical combiner for amplifying an optical signal, the optical combiner splitting the optical signal into a plurality of sub-signals, the optical combiner comprising:a plurality of amplifiers receiving the plurality of sub-signals and amplifying the plurality of sub-signals so as to produce a plurality of amplified sub-signals for transmission through a plurality of amplifier outputs; a combining coupler having a plurality of coupler inputs and a coupler output, said plurality of coupler inputs being coupled to said plurality of amplifier outputs and receiving said plurality of amplified sub-signals, said combining coupler combining said plurality of amplified sub-signals into a primary amplified signal for transmission through said coupler output; and at least one phase controller coupled between said coupler output and said plurality of amplifiers, said at least one phase controller receiving a secondary amplified signal from said primary amplified signal and adjusting the phase of at least one of said plurality of sub-signals to increase the power of said primary amplified signal.