Low noise optical receiver with multi-octave bandwidth

A new approach for the design and construction of low noise broadband optic al receivers is presented utilizing distributed amplification based on hybr id integrated technology. Using extremely low noise PHEMTs as well as appro priate matching circuits between the photodiode and the distributed amplifi er result in a fairly low input equivalent noise current (10 pA Hz(-1/2)). Due to the high capacitance bypass capacitors the lower edge of the transmi ssion band is decreased which is important for many applications.