Patent ID: 6751013
Filing Date: 2004-06-15
Classification: H01S,H04B

Abstract:
A gain-clamped semiconductor optical amplifier device having an adjustable gain level for amplifying optical data signals in a signal band in an optical communications network, comprising:a waveguide including an active region that provides optical gain at a gain level that amplifies the optical data signals in the signal band; and at least one adjustable feedback structure that provides optical feedback for light at a lasing wavelength outside of the signal band, wherein the at least one adjustable feedback structure forms at least part of a laser cavity at the lasing wavelength, wherein the light at the lasing wavelength travels through the waveguide and clamps the gain level for the optical data signals, and wherein the gain level for the optical data signals is adjusted by controlling the optical feedback for the light at the lasing wavelength, wherein the feedback structure includes a grating that reflects light at the lasing wavelength and wherein the optical data signals in the signal band traverse the entire waveguide without passing through the grating.