High-speed multiple-quantum-well optical power amplifier

A multiple-quantum-well optical amplifier is used at 8 Gb/s with high input power such that the average gain is compressed by 2.6 dB. Under these conditions, the output signal level is 35 mW and there is negligible intersymbol interference (ISI) penalty at the receiver. This is possible because of a rapid (7 ps) gain recovery process in the amplifier. A conventional semiconductor amplifier operating at a similar level of gain compression shows 2 dB ISI penalty.<
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