Photopumped semiconductor image amplifier comprising a waveguide with embedded quantum wells and an optical narrow bandpass filter

摘要

One embodiment is an optical image preamplifier having an input through which a laser signal is received and amplified, said laser signal emanating from a target illuminated by a laser transmitter or generated by multiple lasercom transmitters in the field of view; the optical image preamplifier also having an output; and a focal plane array having an input operatively coupled to the output of the optical preamplifier. Embodiments of the present method and apparatus may be utilized to overcome photodetector and post-detection electronic noise to permit near quantum-limited receiver sensitivity with simple focal plane technologies. These embodiments enable ladar, wavefront sensor and multiple access lasercom systems that provide high sensitivity with the wide bandwidth and wavelength flexibility of semiconductor laser media.