Blue Sky Research has announced what it claims is a significant footprint reduction to the packaging of its EPM980 Coolerless Laser Pump Module for erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs). Based on a compact Transistor-Outline (TO) package housing the diode, the overall EPM980 package design is sized for direct replacement of standard butterfly packages.
The new EPM980 has a footprint approximately 50% smaller than the previous version it replaces, making it among the most compact 980nm pump modules available, say company representatives. The EPM980 utilizes Blue Sky Research's proprietary mLens (microlens) technology, which maximizes the source diode's power coupling into the output fiber, delivering more usable power. The mLens optic is assembled with a 980-nm laser diode in a hermetically sealed standard TO-type diode package, which effectively integrates the optic at the diode level rather than the package. In addition, the EPM980 does not require a thermoelectric cooler, creating a more power-efficient pump module.
EPM980 Modules include a 980-nm laser diode and mLens optic together in a hermetically sealed TO package, combined with focusing optic and fiber-pigtail, all contained in a compact package designed for direct replacement of circuit board-mounted butterfly devices. The EPM980 will initially be available with output powers of 50 to 120 mW, with 150-200 mW pumps in development. Engineering samples of the EPM980 will be available December 2001. A series of high-power pump lasers for Raman Amplifier applications is also in development, with engineering samples available by mid 2002.
Blue Sky Research (Milpitas, CA) is an optical network components company that develops and manufactures EDFA pump modules, optical cross-connect switches, programmable ITU lasers, and free-space laser sources. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.blueskyresearch.com.