A 1310-nm gain-clamped semiconductor optical amplifier with amplitude
modulation CATV-grade linearity at an output power of 8 mW is demonstr
ated for the first time. The multiquantum-well amplifier is equipped w
ith distributed Bragg reflectors at each end to supply the feedback ne
cessary for gain clamping. The TE optical gain of 21.3 dB is measured
to be constant within 0.1 dB up to 25-mW signal output power. Electric
al signal distortion experiments are presented to demonstrate the line
arity of the device.