1.55-μm polarization-insensitive optical amplifier with strain-balanced superlattice active layer

A polarization insensitive (sensitivity <1 dB) GaInAs-GaInAsP semiconductor optical amplifier has been realized at 1.55 μm. The active layer consists of a strain-balanced superlattice structure. Gain polarization insensitivity on a large bandwidth (60 nm) together with a 22.5-dB signal gain and a 11-dBm polarization-insensitive saturation output power are obtained.