Ultra-low optical input power 1μm-laser amplifier for WDM satellite communication

An important aspect of all-optical coherent satellite communication technology in space is the efficient amplification of ultra-low optical power levels, constrained by the need to minimize the power consumption of the employed laser systems. We present an all-fiber amplifier architecture specifically designed for an ESA study for deployment in wavelength division multiplexing optical communication networks operating at 1 μm wavelength. The proposed system enables the simultaneous amplification of ten seed channels with input powers ranging from 10 to 50nW per channel to output power levels in the milliwatt range. This is achieved through the integration of the advanced technology of optical fibers optimized for the 1 µm wavelength range, and the use of specialized fiber components designed for a required mixed-polarization operation and for an enhancement of the electro-optical wall-plug efficiency.