Patent ID: 6621835
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: G02B,H01S

Abstract:
An optical gain apparatus comprising:an optical gain medium that generates optical gain when pumped with optical pump energy at a pump wavelength; a plurality of wavelength insensitive power-splitting couplers, each having two signal paths on each of a first side and a second side, such that signals directed to the coupler along first and second paths to the first coupler side can exit the coupler along third and fourth paths to the second coupler side, a first coupler having a first path coupled to an input port and a second path coupled to a first optical side of the gain medium, and a second coupler having a fourth path coupled to an output port and a third path coupled to a second optical side of the gain medium opposite the first side; first and second input reflectors located, respectively, in the third and fourth signal paths of the first coupler and each being wavelength selective so as to reflect a limited wavelength band including a predetermined input wavelength; and first and second output reflectors located, respectively, in the first and second signal paths of the second coupler and each being wavelength selective so as to reflect a limited wavelength band including a predetermined output wavelength, optical energy outside the predetermined output wavelength being directed to said first optical side of the gain medium.