Computer Hardware Terms, Glossary and Dictionary

ASE: Amplified Spontaneous Emission

Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) is a type of light noise produced by spontaneous emission when a laser gain medium is pumped to produce a population inversion.. ASE is added to an optical signal when it is amplified. This noise (or ASE) accumulates and builds in optical spans that have multiple optical amplifiers between regenerators. Feedback of the ASE by the laser's optical cavity may produce laser operation if the lasing threshold is reached. Excess ASE is an unwanted effect in lasers, since it disipates some of the laser's power. In optical amplifiers, ASE limits the achievable gain of the amplifier and increases its noise level.

Related Terms

ASE: Amplified Spontaneous Emission