Introduction to the use of optical isolators

Its function is to prevent the backward transmission light in the optical path from adversely affecting the light source and the optical path system. For example, installing an optical isolator between the semiconductor laser source and the optical transmission system can largely reduce the adverse effects of reflected light on the spectral output power stability of the light source.

In the high-speed direct modulation and direct detection optical fiber communication system, the backward transmission light will generate additional noise, which will degrade the performance of the system, which also requires an optical isolator to eliminate. The optical isolator is installed at both ends of the doped fiber in the fiber amplifier, which can improve the working stability of the fiber amplifier. Without it, the retroreflected light will enter the signal source, causing violent fluctuations in the signal source.

In a coherent optical long-distance optical fiber communication system, an optical isolator is installed every other distance to reduce the power loss caused by stimulated Brillouin scattering. Therefore, optical isolators play an important role in optical fiber communication, optical information processing systems, optical fiber sensing and precision optical measurement systems. At present, there are many applications in the on-chip integrated all-optical path.

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