Loss compensating optical coupler

摘要

An apparatus for compensating for optical loss includes at least two optical fibers joined to form a plurality of ports and first and second coupled regions positioned between the ports. Each coupled region includes a signal transmission region adapted to transmit an optical signal. A semiconductor optical amplifier having an active layer is positioned between the first and second coupled regions such that the active layers is substantially aligned with the signal transmission region to provide a pathway for and amplification to an optical signal passed through the apparatus. A method of compensating for optical loss, a loss compensating optical communication system, and a process of manufacturing an optical signal loss compensating device are also disclosed.