Patent ID: 8085464
Filing Date: 2011-12-27
Classification: G02B,H01S

Abstract:
1. An optical amplifier for amplifying an optical signal, said optical amplifier comprising: an optical fibre, said optical fibre including a doped core, an inner cladding extending substantially radially outwardly from said doped core and an outer cladding extending substantially radially outwardly from said inner cladding; a signal coupler for receiving said optical signal and guiding said optical signal into said doped core; a first pump light source for producing a first pump light having a first power, said first pump light source being optically coupled to said optical fibre at a first location therealong for guiding said first pump light into said inner cladding at said first location; and a second pump light source for producing a second pump light having a second power, said second power being larger than said first power, said second pump light source being optically coupled to said optical fibre at a second location therealong for guiding said second pump light into said inner cladding at said second location; wherein said first location is located between said signal coupler and said second location; and wherein said signal coupler, said first pump light source and said second pump light source guide respectively said optical signal, said first pump light and said second pump light in said optical fibre in a manner such that said optical signal, said first pump light and said second pump light propagate substantially in the same direction in said optical fibre, said optical fibre extending uninterrupted between said first and second locations.