A long-wavelength 10-V optical-to-electrical InGaAs photogenerator

Abstract

We report a high-voltage integrated optical-to-electrical power converter, or photogenerator, operating in the long-wavelength (1480-1650 nm) regime for use in fiber-optic networks. These devices deliver power at voltages in excess of 10 V, which is sufficient to operate switches, micromechanical devices, electronic controllers, optoelectronic circuits and other electrical devices. The high-voltage photogenerator enables provisioning and protection at unpowered nodes in fiber-optic networks, using only the long wavelength light present in the optical fiber as the power source. We also demonstrated its use with a MEMS optical shutter to construct a novel optical power limiter.