Polarization insensitive 1.55 mu m semiconductor optical amplifier integrated with passive waveguides made by MOCVD

Abstract

The fabrication and performance characteristics of semiconductor optical amplifiers integrated with passive waveguides are described. Chip gain of >21 dB, a gain ripple of <0.7 dB, and a gain difference of <0.5 dB between TE and TM modes were observed. It is shown that polarization insensitive amplifier/waveguides fabricated by low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (LP-MOCVD) can provide fiber-to-fiber gains of around 8 dB, high enough to fully compensate for losses generated in directional couplers or a 4*4 matrix, as well as low gain ripple.<>