Patent ID: 6813066
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: H01S,H04B

Abstract:
A nonlinear polarization amplifier stage comprising:a gain medium operable to receive a multiple wavelength optical signal comprising wavelengths within a range &lgr;s; a pump operable to generate at least one pump wavelength &lgr;p for introduction to the gain medium; and a coupler operable to introduce the at least one pump wavelength to the gain medium to facilitate Raman amplification of at least a portion of the multiple wavelength optical signal; wherein at least an intensity of the at least one pump wavelength is selected to affect the shape of a gain curve associated with the multiple wavelength optical signal in the amplifier stage; and wherein at least a portion of the gain medium comprising a zero-dispersion wavelength &lgr;0, which is less than or equal to at least one signal wavelength &lgr;s and greater than or equal to &lgr;p.