Paper 11993-16
Paper 11993-16
High power WDM sources for laser communication
Abstract
High power optical fibre amplifiers are a key sub-systems for enabling ground to space laser communication. In this paper we present the development and testing of a 50W optical fibre amplifier in C-band as well as an high power spectral beam combiner for optical ground station optimised for high channel density, power and count.
Presenter
Matthew Welch
G&H Group (United Kingdom)
Dr Matthew Welch is the chief fibre optical systems engineer for G&H Torquay, his principle interests are optical systems and amplifiers for harsh environments - with a focus on optical amplifiers for space. He has designed, built and tested optical amplifiers to TRL 9, and produced the world’s first commercial Watt level EDFA in GEO. Prior to working at G&H he was at SPI Lasers in Southampton as a senior engineer increasing the power of kW single mode fibre lasers for machine tools. He has a M.Phys. and Ph.D. From Bath University, the Ph.D. focusing on non-linear fibre optics in micro-structured fibres. He also has a PGC in technology management and is a chartered engineer.