Polarization insensitive multiple quantum well laser amplifiers for the 1300 nm window

A polarization insensitive (less than 1 dB gain difference over the 3 dB gain bandwidth) multiple quantum well laser amplifier for the 1300 nm window is reported for the first time. The amplifiers employ a single active layer containing three tensile strained and four compressively strained quantum wells and show a fiber to fiber gain of 16 dB at 1310 nm and 200 mA driving current. Furthermore at the same wavelength these devices have a record low fiber coupled noise figure of 6.5 dB and a conveniently high fiber coupled saturation output power of 13 dBm for both polarizations.