Patent ID: 6697193
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: H04B,H04J

Abstract:
In a WDM communication system carrying a plurality of WDM channels, apparatus for amplifying a plurality of optical signals, said apparatus comprising:a first group of variable gain optical amplifiers, each of said first group of amplifiers amplifying a corresponding one of a first group of adjacent WDM channels; a second group of variable gain optical amplifiers, each of said second group of amplifiers amplifying a corresponding one of a second group of adjacent WDM channels; a first optical energy source providing pump energy to amplifiers of said first group of optical amplifiers; and a second optical energy source providing pump energy to amplifiers of said second group of optical amplifiers; and wherein an output power of at least one of said first optical energy source or said second optical energy source is adjusted to provide equalization to at least one of said first group or second group of WDM channels.