Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA)
1210nm, SM, PM, 22/23.5 dBm
DATASHEET
Features
- 1210nm Optical Amplification
- Inline Optical Signal Boost
Working Principle
The SOAB is a high-saturation-output-power, high-bandwidth, low-noise booster optical amplifier. It features a highly efficient InP/InGaAsP Quantum Well (QW) layer structure and a reliable ridge waveguide design, ensuring robust performance. The amplifier is housed in a standard 14-pin butterfly package, complete with an integrated thermoelectric cooler (TEC) and thermistor for precise thermal management. The SOAB is polarization-insensitive, amplifying all polarization states, making it an excellent choice for in-line amplification. It is available with either single-mode (SM) or polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber pigtails, both terminated with FC/APC connectors. For PM-fiber-pigtailed models, the connector key is aligned to the slow axis. Options include configurations with no isolators or polarization-insensitive isolators at the input, output, or both, to eliminate reflection induced noise. The SOAB provides a versatile and reliable solution for optical amplification needs.
The basic working principle of an SOAB is the same as a semiconductor laser but without feedback. SOABs amplify incident light through stimulated emission. When the light traveling through the active region, it causes these electrons to lose energy in the form of photons and get back to the ground state. Those stimulated photons have the same wavelength as the optical signal, thus amplifying the optical signal.
Applications
- Instrument
- Sensor
- Communication
Specifications
| Parameter | Min | Typical | Max | Unit |
| Operating Current | 1200 | 1300 | mA | |
| Center Wavelength [1] | 1185 | 1205 | 1225 | nm |
| Optical 3 dB Bandwidth | 75 | 82 | nm | |
| Saturation Output Power @ -3 dB [2], [3] | 15 | dBm | ||
| Small Signal Gain @ PIN= -20 dBm [2], [3] | 18 | 20.5 | dB | |
| Gain Ripple (RMS) @ Iop [2] | 0.01 | 0.3 | dB | |
| Noise Figure [2], [3] | 8 | 10 | dB | |
| Forward Voltage [2] | 1.8 | 2.4 | V | |
| TEC Operation | 25 | 50 | °C | |
| TEC Current | 0.8 | 1.5 | A | |
| TEC Voltage | 1.0 | 4.0 | V | |
| Thermistor Resistance | 10 | kΩ | ||
| Operating Current | 1300 | mA | ||
| Optical Output Power, CW | 500 | mW | ||
| Chip Temperature (TEC) | 0 | 30 | °C | |
| Case Temperature | 50 | °C |
Notes:
- [1] This is the center wavelength of the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE), and is not necessarily the operating wavelength. An operating wavelength of 1210 nm was selected for testing to yield the specified saturated output power (PSAT).
- [2] At IOP.
- [3] At 1210 nm
Mechanical Dimensions
Diagram showing the mechanical dimensions of the 14-pin butterfly package. Includes views from top, side, and end, with key dimensions labeled in millimeters (mm). Key features include input and output ports, pin numbering, and a triangle indicating the direction of amplification.
PINout
| PIN | Function |
| 1 | TEC (+) |
| 2 | Thermistor |
| 3 | NC |
| 4 | NC |
| 5 | Thermistor |
| 6 | NC |
| 7 | NC |
| 8 | NC |
| 9 | NC |
| 10 | Device Anode (+) |
| 11 | Device Cathode (-) |
| 12 | NC |
| 13 | Ground |
| 14 | TEC (-) |
*Product dimensions may change without notice. This is sometimes required for non-standard specifications.
Ordering Information
| Prefix | Wavelength | Output Power | Isolator | TEC Cooling | Fiber Type | Fiber Buffer | Fiber Length | Connector | Driver [1] |
| SOAB- 1210nm = 21 | 15dBm = 1 | Special = 0 | Non = 1 Output = 2 Input = 3 Output/Input = 3 | Yes = 2 | HI1060 = 6 PM980 = 9 Special = 0 | 0.9mm Tube = 3 Special = 0 | 1.0 m = 1 Special = 0 | FC/APC = 3 Special = 0 | Non = 1 Benchtop = 2 Module = 3 Kit = 4 |
Note: [1]. All Drivers are plug-n-play with a power supply provided. For the Kit, the diode mount is pre-configured to match the diode.
Typical Spectrum
Single-Mode (SM)
SM Typical ASE LIV: Graph showing Optical Power (mW) and Forward Voltage (V) versus Current (mA).
SM Typical ASE Spectrum: Graph showing Intensity (dB) versus Wavelength (nm) at a specific current (I = 1200 mA).
SM Typical Gain vs. Current: Graph showing Gain (dB) versus Current (mA) at a specific wavelength and input power (λ = 1210 nm, Pin = -20 dBm).
SM Typical Gain vs. Output Power: Graph showing Gain (dB) versus Output Power (dBm) at a specific current and wavelength (I = 1200 mA, λ = 1210 nm).
SM Ripple Spectrum: Graph showing Amplitude (dB) versus Wavelength (nm) at a specific current (I = 1200 mA).
Polarization-Maintaining (PM)
PM Typical ASE LIV: Graph showing Optical Power (mW) and Forward Voltage (V) versus Current (mA).
PM Typical ASE Spectrum: Graph showing Intensity (dB) versus Wavelength (nm) at a specific current (I = 1200 mA).
PM Typical Gain vs. Current: Graph showing Gain (dB) versus Current (mA) at a specific wavelength and input power (λ = 1210 nm, Pin = -20 dBm).
PM Typical Gain vs. Output Power: Graph showing Gain (dB) versus Output Power (dBm) at a specific current and wavelength (I = 1200 mA, λ = 1210 nm).
PM Ripple Spectrum: Graph showing Amplitude (dB) versus Wavelength (nm) at a specific current (I = 1200 mA).
Safety Information
Caution Electrostatic Sensitivity
[⚠️ Electrostatic Sensitive Device]
- Never touch laser diode and the module using hands.
- Always use protections when handling a laser diode.
- Recommend mounting the laser diode using an ionic gun and ESD finger cots.
Laser Safety
This product meets the appropriate standard in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). FDA/CDRH Class 1M laser product. This device has been classified with the FDA/CDRH under accession number 0220191. All versions of this laser are Class 1M laser products, tested according to IEC 60825-1:2007 / EN 60825-1:2007.
For diverging beams, this warning shall state that viewing the laser output with certain optical instruments (for example eye loupes, magnifiers, and microscopes) within a distance of 100 mm may pose an eye hazard. For collimated beams, this warning shall state that viewing the laser output with certain instruments designed for use at a distance (for example telescopes and binoculars) may pose an eye hazard.
Wavelength = 1.3/1.5 µm. Maximum power = 30 mW.
[? DANGER] INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO BEAM
[? DANGER] INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION IS EMITTED FROM THE END OF FIBER OR CONNECTOR
Wavelength: 1.5 µm Max. Output: 50 mW Class 1M Laser Product
Avoid direct exposure to beam. Do not view beam directly with optical instruments.
INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION EMITTED FROM END OF FIBER OR CONNECTOR
CLASS 1M LASER PRODUCT IEC 60825-1:2007 EN 60825-1:2007 MAX OUTPUT: 50 mW WAVELENGTH: 1.5 µm (+ 1460 to 1620 nm)
Complies with 21 CRF 1040.10 and 1040.11 except for deviations pursuant to Laser Notice No. 50, dated June 24, 2007.
*Caution - Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
*IEC is a registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission.
