Net-gain from a parametric amplifier on a chalcogenide optical chip

We report first observation of net-gain from an optical parametric amplifier in a planar waveguide. This was achieved in a low-loss As2S3 planar waveguide, with a strong nonlinearity (gamma similar to 10/W/m) and tailored anomalous dispersion yielding efficient Raman-assisted four-wave mixing at telecom wavelengths. The experiments were in good agreement with theory, and indicate a peak net-gain greater than + 16 dB for the signal and idler (+ 30 dB neglecting coupling losses) and a broad bandwidth spanning 180 nm. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America