Semiconductor optical amplifier

A Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA) is a device that boosts the strength of light signals used in fiber-optic communications. It uses a semiconductor material, similar to laser diodes, to amplify incoming light directly, increasing its power without converting it to electricity. This allows for longer transmission distances and better signal quality in fiber-optic networks. SOAs are compact, fast, and can be integrated into existing optical systems, making them essential for high-speed internet, telecommunications, and data centers where efficient, reliable signal amplification is needed.