Erbium-doped fiber amplifier

An Erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is a device that boosts the strength of optical signals in fiber optic communication systems. It uses a special type of glass fiber infused with erbium ions, which can absorb laser energy and then transfer that energy to passing light signals, amplifying them without converting to electrical signals. When the erbium is excited with a pump laser (usually at 980 or 1480 nm), it enhances the signal's power, allowing long-distance data transmission with minimal loss. EDFAs are essential for high-speed, high-capacity fiber optic networks, enabling efficient and reliable communication over vast distances.