ORC research leads to the first commercially available FM-EDFA
Research conducted by the University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), under the EU supported 7th Framework project, MODE-GAP, has led to the launch of the first commercially available range of Few-Mode Erbium Doped Fibre Amplifier (FM-EDFA).
The new FM-EDFA range of amplifiers is designed to provide gain for each of the modes in Few-Mode Fibre (FMF) and will be manufactured by UK based company, Phoenix Photonics.
Intended for research on few-mode fibre mode division multiplexing transmission, the core-pumped amplifier is compatible with OFS-designed three and six-mode fibres. The amplifier gives more than 20dB gain for each mode over full C-band. The core pumped amplifiers use Erbium doped fibres developed specifically to achieve high performance gain balance between the modes (<4dB differential gain) and fibres are fully compatible with commercially available few mode transmission fibres. Maximum output power is 17dBm and the amplifier has a noise figure better than 6dB.
Ian Giles, Phoenix CEO, said: ââ¬ÅItââ¬â¢s been four years in the making and we are excited to offer the worldââ¬â¢s first commercial FM-EDFA. The product is based on work carried out by the ORC at Southampton and incorporates Phoenix Photonicsââ¬â¢ fibre components. The collaboration between groups has been very productive and we plan to continue releasing products in this area throughout the coming months.ââ¬Â