Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers
Article Abstract:
Today's research into semiconductor optical amplifiers is placing them in applications including transmitters in fiber-optic systems, light amplification, and possibly simple all-optical repeaters. Research is now being conducted at the Musashino Electrical Communications Laboratory of the Nippon Telegrpah and Telephone Public Corp., the University of Southern California, the Centre National d' Etudes de Telecommunications and British Telecom Research Laboratories. A diode can behave as an LED, an amplifier, and a laser, depending on the magnitude of the biasing injection current. The optical paths of light are different in the Fabry-Perot and traveling-wave amplifiers. Limits to the effective gain are laser oscillation, shot noise, and beat noise due to amplified spontaneous emission. For optical transmission, the devices can amplify AM, FM, or phase- modulated signals and are also useful for preamplifiers. Significant engineering problems remain before optical amplifiers become practical. Graphs and diagrams illustrate the performance of semiconductor optical amplifiers. Technical terms are defined and a diagram and a photogrpaph illustrate the structure of one type of optical amplifier.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1984
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SRC: The Semiconductor Industry Draws on University Resources
Article Abstract:
The Semiconductor Research Cooperative (SRC) pools funds from industry for contracting university research in semiconductors. The 1984 budget of over thirteen million dollars from twenty-three companies will go to thirty private and state universities. The SRC was formed as an aid to United States semiconductor industries to stay competitive on the world market.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1983
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The Computer Revolution: A Perspective
Article Abstract:
The evolutionary process of next-generation computing requires that technological accomplishments be integrated into society. Changes will not be revolutionary, but will be developments and refinements of existing technologies. Continuing education is important to engineers and unskilled workers.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1983
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