Fiber Optic Power Converter

John Eide; Chip Mueller; Ted Leonard

doi:10.1117/12.960478

14 September 1989 Fiber Optic Power Converter

John Eide, Chip Mueller, Ted Leonard

Proceedings Volume 1100, Sensor Fusion II; (1989) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.960478
Event: SPIE 1989 Technical Symposium on Aerospace Sensing, 1989, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Fiber optic sensor and communication technology has developed a need for generating electric power at remote locations where conventional methods cannot be used. A fiber optic monolithic array of optical power converter cells was developed to meet this need. Optical power and information can be transported over optical fiber at different wavelengths. A wavelength division multiplexer separates the optical power and the optical information. The optical power is converted to electrical power with a conversion efficiency greater than 25%. The monolithic array consist of twelve individual photodiodes electrically connected in series. This arrangement allows the converter to have an output voltage in excess of eight volts. The diode array is grown using Liquid Phase Epitaxy on semi-insulating InP. A buffer layer of n + InP is first grown. This layer is followed by an undoped GaInAsP active layer. On top of this layer a p doped InP layer is grown to form the p-n junction. A selective chemical etching process is used to produce the monolithic diode array. The array consists of twelve electrically isolated diodes contained within a circular area of 2.5 millimeter diameter. Anti-reflective coating is used to enhance the responsivity of the array. The monolithic diode chip is assembled in a standard T05 package and hermetically sealed with a flat window type cap. The optical fiber is pigtailed to the window cap. A metal sleeve is inserted over the pigtail area to provide a rugged assembly. This particular power converter described is optimized to perform at a wavelength of 1.06 micrometer. High power Nd:YAG lasers are readily available and can effectively be coupled to the optical fiber.

Citation Download Citation

John Eide, Chip Mueller, and Ted Leonard "Fiber Optic Power Converter", Proc. SPIE 1100, Sensor Fusion II, (14 September 1989); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.960478

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