简要叙述了掺铒波导放大器的工作原理、制备工艺及目前的发展状况,并与掺铒光纤放大器、半导体放大器的性能和特点进行了比较。对铒掺杂浓度较高时出现的协同上转换效应和激发态吸收等影响EDWA增益性能的重要因素进行了阐述,提出了进一步降低器件制作成本、减少插入损耗、缩小器件尺寸的方法,并对这种器件在光通信系统和新型集成光学器件中的应用和发展前景进行了展望。

In this paper, amplifying mechanism, manufacturing processes, and technology evolution of Erbium Doped Waveguide Amplifier (EDWA) are presented, and a comprehensive comparison is made among Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA), Erbium Micro Fiber Amplifier (EMFA) and Semiconductor Optical Amplifier/Linear Optical Amplifier (SOA/LOA). Gain limiting factors, such as co-operative upconversion due to high doped concentration, and excited state absorption, are briefly discussed. The means to reduce cost, insert loss, and dimensions of EDWA devices is proposed. A prospect is made on applications and development of EDWA in optical communication system and integrated optic devices.