IPG Photonics Corporation
Submarine Optical Repeater With High Voltage Isolation

Abstract:

The systems and methods described herein provide a submarine optical repeater in which a plurality of thermally conductive, electrically insulative, ceramic members form a hollow structure having an interior volume that is maintained at a relatively high first voltage when compared to a relatively low second voltage maintained external to the hollow structure. A conductive element at the first voltage disposed in the interior volume provides power to optical repeaters disposed on the interior surface of the hollow structure. Power flows radially outward from the conductive element to the optical repeaters to the surrounding environment about the submarine optical repeater. The thermally conductive ceramic members electrically isolate the optical repeaters from the second voltage while providing a thermally conductive pathway for the heat generated during the operation of the optical repeaters to dissipate into the surrounding environment.