Patent ID: 6580552
Filing Date: 2003-06-17
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
An optical amplifier, comprising:a first optical path carrying a first optical signal, a first coupler and a first input optical isolator connected to said first optical path, and a first active optical fiber connected to said first coupler in said first optical path; a second optical path carrying a second optical signal, a second coupler and a second input optical isolator connected to said second optical path, and a second active optical fiber connected to said second coupler in said second optical path; a third optical path carrying a third optical signal, a third coupler and a third input optical coupler connected to said pump laser and said third optical path, and a third active optical fiber connected to said third coupler in said third optical path; a pump laser shared by said first, second and third optical paths and connected to said first, second and third couplers for providing pump power to amplify said first and second optical signals; and a variable attenuator connected between said pump -laser and at least one of said first, second and third couplers.