Abstract: At least two innovations are used to overcome the limitations of conventional transimpedance or high impedance optical receiver front end amplifiers. The innovations are a) multiple stage equalization of a high-feedback resistor, low-gain transimpedance amplifier to obtain high sensitivity, and b) range switching of feedback resistors and equalization capacitors to obtain high overload. With these approaches, it is possible to design an optical receiver operating at the intrinsic limits of available device technology.

Abstract: An electronic circuit provides a substantially linear output from a nonlinear transmission device such as a laser. The input signal to the nonlinear device is applied to an in-line electrical path coupled to the nonlinear device. In the in-line predistorter of the present invention, the desired real and imaginary distortion terms may be synthesized by summing the distortion contributions from several different distorter elements. In the simplest case, one distorter produces a constant real distortion, another produces distortion proportional to frequency, f, and so on. However, it is not essential to have the simplest set of distorters. Distorters with more complex distortion characteristics can be used so long as they provide an independent set. A number of circuits are disclosed that can be combined to provide the building blocks of an in-line circuit.

Abstract: Nonlinear optical effects, such as stimulated Brillouin scattering, limit the power density of an optical signal that can be launched into an optical fiber. The SBS threshold is increased by a triple frequency modulation scheme, wherein an optical source is modulated by a low frequency sinusoid, e.g., 10-100 kHz, as well as an amplitude modulated high frequency signal, e.g. 6 GHz. In addition, the optical beam is externally phase modulated at a frequency which is not less than twice the frequency of the highest signal frequency being transmitted by the fiber, e.g. 2 GHz for a CATV transmission.

Abstract: A dual stage optical modulator is disclosed that uses optical predistortion to achieve a high degree of linearity and also provides signals having substantially no residual phase modulation, or chirp. The modulator allows fiber optic transmission over fibers having a zero dispersion wavelength that is significantly different from the operating wavelength of the source laser without a chirp-induced dispersion penalty. In one embodiment of the modulator, an input Y-junction splits an optical input signal into a first interferometer, also referred to as a phase/intensity modulator, having first and second interferometer arms and an electrode structure for modulating the split signal. The electrode structure includes a pair of ground electrodes and a modulating electrode for receiving a first RF modulating voltage and associated DC bias.

Abstract: An electronic circuit provides a linear output from a nonlinear transmission device such as a laser. Second and higher order distortion of the nonlinear device is compensated by applying a predistorted signal equal in magnitude and opposite in sign to the real and imaginary components of distortion produced by the nonlinear device. The input signal for the nonlinear device is applied to an in-line electrical path coupled to the nonlinear device. The in-line path contains at least one component for generating primarily real components of distortion. In some applications, at least one component for generating imaginary components of distortion is located on the in-line path. Filter stages are used to provide frequency dependent predistortion. In a preferred embodiment, an attenuator, a MMIC amplifier, a CATV hybrid amplifier, and a varactor in line with a semiconductor laser, provide the predistorted signal.

Abstract: A fiber optic RF signal distribution system has a plurality of antenna stations, each station including an RF antenna. A central RF signal distribution hub receives and transmits signals external to the system. A pair of optical fibers connects each antenna station directly to the distribution hub with the connections being in a star configuration. A connectorized laser module permits direct coupling of a distributed feedback semiconductor laser to the end of each optical fiber without an intervening connector. The module accepts an APC connector with the angled end of its optical fiber in an aperture plane in a connector housing. A distributed feedback laser is mounted in the connector housing with a lens for illuminating the aperture plane and hence, the end of the fiber at an acute angle to the axis of the fiber. Furthermore, the illumination is defocused at the aperture plane for loose optical coupling to the fiber and minimized reflection to the DFB laser.

Abstract: A fiber optic RF signal distribution system has a plurality of antenna stations, each station including an RF antenna. A central RF signal distribution hub receives and transmits signals external to the system. A pair of optical fibers connects each antenna station directly to the distribution hub with the connections being in a star configuration. A connectorized laser module permits direct coupling of a distributed feedback semiconductor laser to the end of each optical fiber without an intervening connector. The module accepts an APC connector with the angled end of its optical fiber in an aperture plane in a connector housing. A distributed feedback laser is mounted in the connector housing with a lens for illuminating the aperture plane and hence, the end of the fiber at an acute angle to the axis of the fiber. Furthermore, the illumination is defocused at the aperture plane for loose optical coupling to the fiber and minimized reflection to the DFB laser.

Abstract: Noise and distortion due to scattering and reflection in a fiber-optic communications system are suppressed by modulating the optical frequency of (chirping) a laser light source to broaden the spectrum of the laser light output. The broader spectrum spreads the noise produced by an unchirped source over a broader band. A noise and distortion suppression system includes a chirp signal generator coupled to the signal path of an RF input signal carrying information to modulate the laser optical output. In some cases, the frequency of the chirp generating signal may result in second-order intermodulation products falling within the information band. In such cases, the RF input signal is predistorted to offset the expected distortion products.

Abstract: Noise and distortion due to scattering and reflection in a fiber-optic communications system are suppressed by modulating the optical frequency of (chirping) a laser light source to broaden the spectrum of the laser light output. The broader spectrum spreads the noise produced by an unchirped source over a broader band. A noise and distortion suppression system includes a chirp signal generator coupled to the signal path of an RF input signal carrying information to modulate the laser optical output. In some cases, the frequency of the chirp generating signal may result in second-order intermodulation products falling within the information band. In such cases, the RF input signal is predistorted to offset the expected distortion products.

Abstract: An electronic circuit provides a linear output from an amplifying device, such as a hybrid push-pull amplifier, which has inherent distortion. In a preferred embodiment, the distortion of the hybrid amplifier is compensated by nesting a pair of hybrid push-pull amplifiers within a push-pull circuit configuration. In another embodiment, the distortion of the hybrid amplifier is compensated by providing a predistorted signal equal in magnitude, but opposite in sign, to the distortion introduced by the nonlinear device. The input signal is split into two electrical paths with the primary part of the signal applied directly to the hybrid amplifier, with a time delay to compensate for delay in the secondary path. Elements within the secondary path generate both even and odd order distortion products. These are recombined with the primary signal in proper phase and amplitude, and the resulting signal is applied to the hybrid amplifier for canceling distortion in the hybrid amplifier.

Abstract: A fault tolerant fiber optic system has a plurality of lasers modulated by the same signal source. The signals from the lasers are conveyed to an optical coupler by single mode optical fibers. The signals from all of the lasers are mixed in the optical coupler, producing an output signal which is an average of the input signals from the lasers. The optical coupler has a plurality of output single mode fibers which can transmit the averaged signal to a number of optical receivers. By optically combining the signals in phase with each other, the failure of any laser decreases signal strength, but does not disable the system. Surprisingly, the averaging also has the capability of improving the carrier to noise and carrier to distortion ratios for the system, since noise and distortion from the lasers are not correlated and are diminished by a factor of N where N is the number of lasers.

Abstract: An electronic circuit provides a linear output from an amplitude modulated transmission device such as an amplifier or a semiconductor laser which has inherent distortion. The distortion of the nonlinear device is compensated by applying a predistorted signal with distortion equal in magnitude and opposite in sign to the distortion introduced by the nonlinear device. The input signal is split into two paths with the primary part of the signal applied directly to the device, with a time delay to compensate for delays in the secondary path. The secondary path generates predistortion which is recombined with the primary signal in proper phase and amplitude for cancelling distortion in the output device. A distortion generator in the secondary path generates adjustable amplitude intermodulation signals. Filtering is used before the distortion generator to compensate for the dependence of the distortion of the nonlinear device on the frequencies of the fundamental signals.

Abstract: This optical receiver is capable of receiving broadband R-F modulated signals transmitted over fiber-optic cable. The receiver comprises a photodiode impedance matched to the input of an low noise, low distortion amplifier by an impedance matching transformer. A passive tuning network is placed between the photodiode and the transformer to improve the high frequency performance of the receiver. Distortion of the optical receiver is further reduced by cancelling even power distortion products from out of phase signals generated by the photodiode.

Abstract: An electronic circuit provides a linear output from an amplitude modulated transmission device such as a semiconductor laser which has inherent distortion. The distortion of the nonlinear device is compensated by applying a predistorted signal equal in magnitude and opposite in sign to the distortion introduced by the nonlinear device. The input signal is split into two or three paths with primary part of the signal applied directly to the device, with a time delay to compensate for delays in two secondary paths. One secondary path generates even order intermodulation products and the other generates odd order intermodulation products. These are recombined with the primary signal in proper phase and amplitude for cancelling distortion in the output device. A distortion generator in each secondary path generates adjustable amplitude intermodulation signals. A tilt adjustment is made to compensate the amplitude of the predistortion for frequency dependence of the amplitude of the distortion.

Abstract: A small module for converting an electrical signal to a modulated light signal on an optical fiber comprises a housing, a laser mounted on a laser substrate within the housing, a GRIN lens and an optical isolator downstream from the laser, and a precision capillary for holding an optical fiber downstream from the optical isolator. The relative positions of the laser, lens, optical isolator and fiber are adjusted to maximize light output through the fiber. The optical fiber is sealed to the housing at one point and is free to move axially in the capillary for minimizing mechanical stress on the fiber.

Abstract: An electronic circuit provides a linear output from an amplitude modulated transmission device such as a solid state laser which has inherent distortion. The distortion of the nonlinear device is compensated by applying a predistorted signal equal in magnitude and opposite in sign to the distortion introduced by the nonlinear device. The input signal is split into two paths with primary part of the signal applied directly to the device, with a time delay to compensate for delays in the secondary path. A predistorter in the secondary path generates harmonic signals, the amplitude of which is adjusted to match the amplitude of the distortion. A tilt adjustment is made to compensate the amplitude of the predistortion for frequency dependence of distortion. A fine adjust of the delay is also included so that phase of the predistortion signal is in proper phase relation with the primary signal.

Abstract: A heterostructure semiconductor laser provides high power by having a wide output facet so that the power density at the output facet is low enough to avoid catastrophic optical mirror damage. Single transverse mode oscillation occurs in the center of a pumped trapezoidal gain medium layer between the wide output facet and a relatively narrower mirror facet. Stimulated emission of radiation in the balance of the pumped trapezoidal area produces high power output. At the opposite end of the gain layer from the output facet, a parallel edged, index guided pumped region of the gain layer provides a single transverse mode wave guide for assuring single mode output. Preferably the narrower facet has a higher reflectivity than the wider facet, and a non-absorbing window is provided at the wider facet, for lowest lasing threshold and highest power output.

Abstract: A distributed feedback heterostructure semiconductor laser provides a single frequency at high power by having a wide output facet so that the power density at the output facet is low enough to avoid catastrophic optical mirror damage. Oscillation is obtained in the center of a pumped trapezoidal gain medium layer between the wide output facet and a relatively narrow rear facet. Stimulated emission of radiation in the balance of the pumped trapezoidal area produces high power output. At the opposite end of the gain layer from the output facet, a parallel edged, index guided pumped region of the gain layer provides a single transverse mode wave guide. A distributed feedback grating, preferably in the region with parallel sides, selects a single longitudinal oscillation mode independent of Fabry-Perot oscillation between the facets. Preferably, the output facet is anti-reflective for minimizing Fabry-Perot oscillation.

Abstract: A buried heterostructure window device has an elongated layer of gain medium surrounded by a lower index of refraction medium for guiding light along the length of the gain medium. A window and an antireflective layer are deposited on the output end of the gain layer to minimize reflections. A portion of the gain medium nearer the output end of the device is electrically pumped, leaving an unpumped end of the gain medium remote from the output end. The unpumped portion of the gain medium absorbs light travelling along the length of the gain medium. This inhibits reflection from the end of the gain medium remote from the output end. When the device is pumped with a moderate power level, strong superluminescent output is obtained. When the device is pumped well above the lasing threshold by reason of "burning through" the unpumped absorbing portion of the gain medium, a single mode laser is obtained with side band power at least 20 db below the power of the principal oscillation mode.

Abstract: Coherent coupling of a plurality of reflection type optical gain elements with a seeding laser is provided by illuminating the optical gain elements with fanned laser light scattered from a photorefractive medium. The reflection type optical gain elements have an anti-reflective end nearer the photorefractive medium and a reflective opposite end. The optical gain elements also illuminate the photorefractive medium. The resultant amplified and coherent light beam has its wavefront cleaned up with a photorefractive oscillator to provide a diffraction limited or nearly diffraction limited beam.