Patent ID: 6433927
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
An optical amplifier comprising:an optical waveguide for carrying an optical signal to be amplified, the optical waveguide having an output end for launching the optical signal; a substantially collimating lens optically coupled with the output end of the optical waveguide for receiving the optical signal and for providing a substantially collimated beam to be amplified, the substantially collimated beam having a substantially larger mode field diameter than the optical signal being carried by the optical waveguide; a block of light transmissive material sized to carry the substantially collimated beam for amplification, the block of light transmissive material being comprised of a gain medium doped with a rare-earth element, the block being disposed to receive the substantially collimated optical beam; a high power pump disposed to impart optical energy to the block; a substantially focusing lens optically coupled with the block of light transmissive material for focusing the amplified substantially collimated beam; and, an output optical waveguide disposed to couple focused light of the optical signal after it has been amplified within the block of light transmissive material.