Patent ID: 6961502
Filing Date: 2005-11-01
Classification: G02B,H01S

Abstract:
1. An optical module for performing a prescribed function, said optical module to be integrated between stages of a multi-stage rare-earth doped optical amplifier, said module comprising: an input port for receiving optical energy from one stage of the rare-earth doped optical amplifier; a rare-doped planar waveguide coupled to the input port; an optically lossy, passive element for performing the prescribed function, said optically lossy, passive element being coupled to the planar waveguide for receiving optical energy therefrom; an output port coupled to the optically lossy, passive element for providing optical energy to another stage of the rare-earth doped optical amplifier; and wherein the rare-earth doped planar waveguide has a first unsaturated absorption spectrum and the rare-earth doped optical amplifier has a second unsaturated absorption spectum such that the ratio of the first to the second absorption spectrum is substantially wavelength independent within the spectral range of incoming and outgoing optical energy, said rare-arth doped planar waveguide having a length determined at least in part from a value of optical loss in the passive element and characteristics of the rare-earth doped optical amplifier.