Broadband low noise optical receiver utilizing distributed amplification

A new approach for the design and construction of low noise broadband optical receivers is presented utilizing distributed amplification based on hybrid integrated technology. Using extremely low noise PHEMTs as well as appropriate matching between the photodiode and the distributed amplifier result in a fairly low input equivalent noise current (10 pA//spl radic/(Hz)). Due to the high capacitance bypass capacitors, the lower edge of the transmission band is decreased which is important for many applications.