Patent ID: 6547453
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling an amplified optical system, comprisingan optical pump source operatively connected to a fiber optic system having an optical fiber, said optical pump source operable at a pumping wavelength selected to provide gain to a signal travelling in a segment of the optical fiber, wherein the pumping wavelength is different than a signal wavelength; wherein the optical fiber transmits a pumping light signal from said optical pump source and a reflected pumping light signal when the optical fiber is damaged or when a component in the optical system is degraded or failed; a back reflection detector operatively connected to the optical fiber, said back reflection detector configured to detect an amount of the reflected pumping light signal; and a controller operatively connected to said optical pump source and to said back reflection detector; said controller taking at least one precautionary measure when the detected amount of the reflected pumping light signal detected by said back reflection detector exceeds a threshold value.