Patent ID: 6667829
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
An optical signal amplifier for amplifying at least first and second bands of optical data channels separated by a band gap having spectral width substantially less than each band's spectral width, comprising:(a) optical signal splitter means at an input of said amplifier for splitting in its totality a signal in said at least first and second bands and said band gap into first and second paths; b) first optical signal gain means in said first path having a first gain profile having gain focussed in the first band; (c) second optical signal gain means in said second path having a second gain profile having gain focussed in the second band; (d) optical signal combiner means for combining signals amplified by said first and second optical signal gain means onto an output of said amplifier; wherein the first gain profile and the second gain profile together providing amplification of the band gap; wherein an optical length of the first path and an optical path length of the second path are substantially equal such that amplified signal combine constructively in daid optical signal combiner means. where said optical signal splitter means is a polatization beam splitter means, and said optical signal combiner means is a polarization beam combiner means.