Patent ID: 6353499
Filing Date: 2002-03-05
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
An optical amplifier system for amplifying an optical signal at a signal wavelength, comprising:a fiber amplifier comprising a first active rare earth fiber, coupled to receive an optical signal at a first wavelength to be amplified; a pump source for providing a pump signal at a second wavelength, said pump source comprising a fiber laser having a fiber laser cavity including a second active rare earth fiber and a first reflector in said second active rare earth fiber, said second active rare earth fiber being coupled to a first end of said fiber amplifier by a first wavelength selective coupler, said fiber laser cavity further comprising a third fiber coupled to a second end of said fiber amplifier by a second wavelength selective coupler, said third fiber including a second reflector, and wherein the wavelength selective couplers allowing the optical signal at the signal wavelength to pass through the first fiber from a system input to a system output without being directed to the second fiber or the third fiber, said second reflector constituting a second end of the fiber laser cavity so that pump light generated in said second active rare earth fiber oscillates between said first and second reflectors and said fiber laser cavity comprises said second active rare earth fiber, said first active rare earth fiber and said third fiber optically coupled between said first and second reflectors.