Phoenix Photonics, the UK-based optical fibre components specialist, has launched a fibre amplifier for few mode fiber (FMF) spatial division multiplexing (SDM) applications. A result of research work with University of Southampton  in the EU supported 7th Framework project MODE-GAP this EDFA range of amplifiers is the first commercially available to provide gain for each of the modes in FMF.

    The amplifier is integrated into a 19” rack format with gain control through USB interface. Currently available for 3-mode (LP01, LP11a, LP11b) and 6-mode (LP01, LP11a, LP21a, LP21b, LP02) fiber systems, the amplifier gives more than 20dB gain for each mode over full C-band. The core pumped amplifiers use Erbium doped fibres developed specifically to achieve high performance gain balance between the modes (<4dB differential gain) and fibres are fully compatible with commercially available few mode transmission fibers. Maximum output power is 17dBm and the amplifier has a noise figure better than 6dB.