Work

Broadband Packaged Erbium-Doped Polycrystalline Al 2 O 3 Waveguide Amplifier with 24 dB External Net Gain

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We present a packaged erbium-doped waveguide amplifier (EDWA) based on polycrystalline Al₂O₃, demonstrating high external fiber-to-fiber gain, stable performance over a broad wavelength range, and robustness to temperature variations. The device was integrated with fiber arrays and thermoelectric control, facilitating efficient characterization and practical deployment. With bidirectional pumping at 1480 nm, a 50 cm long waveguide amplifier achieves an external net gain of 24 dB and an off-chip output power exceeding 54 mW. The amplifier exhibits a broad gain bandwidth, covering the entire C-band and extending into the L-band. Temperature dependent measurements show stable performance up to 95°C, with 17 dB of external net gain. These results highlight the potential of polycrystalline Al₂O₃:Er³⁺ as a scalable platform for high-performance optical amplification in photonic integrated circuits.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.562635

Authors: C. E. Osornio-Martinez, D. B. Bonneville, M. Dijkstra, A. R. do Nascimento Jr., S. M. García-Blanco

Language: English

Topic: Photonic and Optical Devices

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,270

Funders: Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme, HORIZON EUROPE European Innovation Council

Awards: Aluminium oxide integrated photonic platform for applications in the ultraviolet (UV), G678406927, G7121257494