Optical amplifiers with age-based pump current limiters
First Claim
1. An optical amplifier used to amplify optical data signals in a fiber-optic communications link, comprising:
- at least one laser diode pump that is operated by applying a drive current;
at least one fiber that is optically pumped by light from the laser diode pump to produce optical gain for the optical data signals in the link; and
a control unit that is configured to control the drive current of the laser diode pump, wherein the control unit is configured to keep track of the age of the laser diode pump and is configured to limit the maximum amount of drive current that is used to operate the laser diode pump, and wherein the control unit is configured to determine the maximum amount of drive current based on the age of the laser diode pump.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Optical amplifiers and other optical network equipment for handling optical data signals in fiber-optic communications links are provided. Optical fiber that is pumped by laser diode pumps is used to provide optical gain. The laser diode pumps may be based on laser diode devices that do not have temperature controllers and integral back facet monitors. A control unit may be used to keep track of the age of the laser diode pumps. Information on the age of the pumps may be used to determine the maximum allowable drive current for driving the pumps. Information on the age of the pumps may also be used to select an appropriate drive current level during operation of the pumps.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An optical amplifier used to amplify optical data signals in a fiber-optic communications link, comprising:
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at least one laser diode pump that is operated by applying a drive current;
at least one fiber that is optically pumped by light from the laser diode pump to produce optical gain for the optical data signals in the link; and
a control unit that is configured to control the drive current of the laser diode pump, wherein the control unit is configured to keep track of the age of the laser diode pump and is configured to limit the maximum amount of drive current that is used to operate the laser diode pump, and wherein the control unit is configured to determine the maximum amount of drive current based on the age of the laser diode pump. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. Optical network equipment that handles optical data signals in a fiber-optic communications link, comprising:
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at least one laser diode pump that is operated by applying a drive current;
at least one fiber that is optically pumped by the laser diode pump to produce optical gain for the optical data signals in the link; and
a control unit that is configured to control the drive current of the laser diode pump, wherein the control unit is configured to keep track of the age of the laser diode pump and is configured to limit the maximum amount of drive current that is used to operate the laser diode pump, and wherein the control unit is configured to calculate the maximum amount of drive current based on the age of the laser diode pump.
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Specification