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Abstract

An optical channel waveguide amplifier and fabrication process are provided for an optical communications system. The amplifier employs an optical waveguide having a core of active material exhibiting optical fluorescence when stimulated. The core has a propagation axis extending from an input surface to an output surface. The input surface intersects the propagation axis at a non-orthogonal angle (e.g., 45.degree.). A cladding at least partially surrounds the core, and a coating is provided over the angled input surface of the core. The coating is anti-reflective of the optical signal, input at a predetermined signal wavelength, and is highly reflective of the pump, input at a predetermined pump wavelength. A prism, index-matched to the core, is secured to the angled face of the optical waveguide so that the input signal may be focused into the core through the prism and the coating collinearly with the axis of propagation, while the pump is reflected into the core off the coating at the angled input surface from an angle to the axis of propagation. The optical signal undergoes amplification within the core by stimulated emissions of the active material driven by the pump.

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First Claim