Abstract

Parametric amplifiers (PAs) are well-suited for optical communication systems. Not only can PAs provide high gain for arbitrary signal wavelengths, they can also conjugate the signals and convert their wavelengths. The four-sideband model of parametric amplifiers driven by two pump waves will be reviewed and used to describe the conditions required to produce broad-bandwidth gain. The flexibility of the two-pump architecture allows it to produce gain that is nearly independent of the signal polarization, and idlers whose spectral widths are comparable to that of the signal.

© 2003 Optical Society of America