| The theory, design, and implementation of several photonics devices for the generation, amplification, and processing of optical signals in optical communication systems are described. A cascaded fiber-optic parametric amplifier based on a quasi-phase matching technique is implemented. This cascaded implementation is the first explicit application of quasi-phase matching techniques to a fiber-optic parametric amplifier and results in a 12 dB gain enhancement using a 3-stage structure. For the generation and the wavelength-sensitive processing of optical signals, distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) waveguide devices are fabricated in un-doped and Er/Yb co-doped glass substrates using Ag+ and K+ ion-exchange, respectively. Wavelength-selective operation is realized by implementing the DBRs using a high refractive index overlay technique. This technique allows DBR fabrication on substrates with hard-to-etch surfaces and can produce very short, high efficiency reflectors by utilizing the enhanced interactions between the waveguide and the high index overlay DBR. The development of methods for overlay/waveguide design, thin-film characterization, and optimum thickness deposition are reported. Using this technique, an Er/Yb co-doped glass waveguide DBR laser with a 30 mW lasing threshold and a 8.5% slope efficiency is demonstrated. An optical add-drop multiplexer with a 24 dB transmission dip and a 0.5 nm wide 3 dB bandwidth is also designed and fabricated based on the same technique. |
