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: “It’s been four years in the making and we are excited to offer the world’s first commercial FM-EDFA. The product is based on work carried out by the ORC at Southampton and incorporates Phoenix Photonics’ fibre components. The collaboration between groups has been very productive and we plan to continue releasing products in this area throughout the coming months.”

For further information on the new FM-EDFA please contact Dr Ian Giles directly or sales at Phoenix Photonics.

Learn more about MODE-GAP.