Patent ID: 6785043
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
In a wavelength-division multiplexing optical-communication system having an optical-transmitter unit for transmitting a wavelength-division-multiplexed optical signal via an optical fiber and an optical-receiver unit for receiving the optical signal via the optical fiber, a dispersion-compensated optical-fiber amplifier, comprising:a circulator for outputting an optical signal received at a first terminal thereof connected to the optical fiber, to a second terminal thereof while outputting an optical signal received at the second terminal thereof, to a third terminal thereof connected to the optical fiber; a first amplifier coupled to the second terminal of the circulator for amplifying the optical signal received thereon in a forward and a reverse direction; a dispersion-compensating fiber coupled to the first amplifier for compensating any dispersion occurring in the optical signal received thereon; a second amplifier coupled to the dispersion-compensating fiber for amplifying the optical signal received thereon; a splitter installed at both ends of the dispersion-compensating fiber for passing the optical signal received thereon in a forward direction and a reverse direction and for forwarding a pumping light received in the forward direction without allowing the pumping light to pass through the dispersion-compensating fiber; and, a reflector for reflecting the optical signal received from the second amplifier in the reverse direction, so that the reflected optical signal is sequentially reapplied to the second amplifier, the splitter, the first amplifier, and the circulator.