Semiconductor optical amplifier gate array integrated with spot-size converters

Abstract

An SOA optical gate array needs to operate at a low carrier density to have a low gain in a fiber-to-fiber lossless operation. It also needs low energy consumption. Thus, an SOA gate array has a different structural design from an SOA optical amplifier. Our group has developed a 4-ch spot-size converter-integrated SOA gate array and its integration with a planar-lightwave-circuit platform. We discuss the inherent problems in array development and how they were overcome.