Patent ID: 6067187
Filing Date: 2000-05-23
Classification: H01S,H04B,H04J

Abstract:
An optical amplifier having an amplification band for input signal light, for outputting amplified signal light, comprising:an optical amplifying medium to which said input signal light is supplied;a pump light source outputting pump light;first optical coupling means operatively connected to said optical amplifying medium and said pump light source, for introducing said pump light into said optical amplifying medium;a probe light source outputting probe light having a wavelength included in said amplification band;second optical coupling means operatively connected to said optical amplifying medium and said probe light source, for introducing said probe light into said optical amplifying medium;first power detecting means for detecting power of said input signal light;second power detecting means for detecting power of said probe light; andcontrol means for controlling the power of said probe light according to outputs from said first and second power detecting means to maintain constant an amplifier gain for said input signal light.