Development of an S-Band Lumped Raman Amplifier Module
- Amplifying S-band signals contribute to expanding the bandwidth required for large volume communications -
Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. (2-6-4 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Hideya Moridaira) has developed an S-band Lumped Raman Amplifier Module designed to expand bandwidth for high-volume communications. This new amplifier features a gain tilt control function and has successfully amplified S-band optical signals (70nm wavelength band) with a gain of at least 30dB and gain flatness of 0.4dB or lower. The amplifier will be exhibited at OFC 2025 in the United States, with sample shipments planned for the second half of 2025.
Background
The global demand for data traffic continues to surge due to the increased use of smartphones, cloud computing, video sharing, and generative AI. This rapid growth necessitates greater transmission capacity in medium- and long-distance optical telecommunications networks. To meet these demands, expanding the telecommunications bandwidth from the current C- and L-bands to the S- and U-bands is under consideration. However, conventional erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) cannot amplify light in these bands.
Details
Development Details
Leveraging 25 years of expertise in laser manufacturing and fiber technology, Furukawa Electric has developed an S-band Lumped Raman Amplifier Module. Unlike distributed Raman amplifiers, which amplify signals using the transmission fiber, lumped Raman amplifiers incorporate an internal amplification medium, enabling high gain amplification.
The new amplifier utilizes the FRL1441U series pump laser and a dual-port Raman pump as the light source, along with a high non-linear fiber (HNLF) as the amplification medium. This combination achieves a highly efficient amplification gain of at least 30dB (High Gain Type), gain flatness of 0.4dB or lower (High Power Type), and a noise figure (NF) of 4.7dB (both types). Additionally, the gain tilt control function, adjustable by ±3dB, allows users to fine-tune system performance.
Main characteristics
The current development was conducted and achieved as part of the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) commissioned research “Beyond 5G – Development of extended range optical node technology for realizing ultra-high speed, large volume networks” (Key Issue JPJ012368C04501) and the 2024 Function Realization and International Joint R&D Program “Innovative ICT Fund Projects for Beyond 5G/6G” (JPJ012368G60101).
Exhibition and Sample Shipments
Furukawa Electric will showcase the amplifier at OFC 2025 in San Francisco, California, from April 1-3, 2025, at the Lightera Booth No. 2843. Sample shipments are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025.
For more information on OFC 2025
Technical Notes
(note 1)S- and U-bands: These bands define optical signal frequency ranges, with the S-band having a higher frequency than the C-band and the U-band a lower frequency than the L-band.
(note 2)Bandwidth Expansion: Expanding the telecommunications bandwidth increases data transmission capacity, enabling high-speed, large-volume communications. Utilizing new frequency bands such as the S- and U-bands will help accommodate growing data traffic demands.
Related News Releases
Furukawa Electric Group’s efforts towards the SDGs
Based on the “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” adopted by the United Nations, Furukawa Electric Group has formulated the “Furukawa Electric Group Vision 2030” which sets the year 2030 as its target and is advancing efforts with the aim to “Build a sustainable world and make people’s life safe, peaceful and rewarding, Furukawa Electric Group will create solutions for the new generation of global infrastructure combining information, energy and mobility.” Toward the achievement of our Vision 2030, we will take open, agile, and innovative approaches to promote ESG management that aims to increase corporate value over the medium to long term and will contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.
Share
Tweet
Share