Patent ID: 7158698
Filing Date: 2007-01-02
Classification: H01S,H04B

Abstract:
1. A module for amplifying a signal light with a remote excitation-light, comprising: (a) a first optical input/output line through which a signal light is transmitted; (b) a second optical input/output line through which a signal light is transmitted; (c) an optical amplifier which amplifies a signal light on receipt of an excitation light transmitted through said first or second optical input/output line; (d) a bypass circuit which allows said signal light to bypass said optical amplifier; (e) a first optical connector which optically connects said first optical input/output line to said optical amplifier, and further optically connects said first optical input/output line to said bypass circuit; and (f) a second optical connector which optically connects said second optical input/output line to said optical amplifier, and further optically connects said second optical input/output line to said bypass circuit, wherein said first optical connector is comprised of a first optical 3-port circulator having first, second and third ports wherein a signal light input through said second port is output through said third port, a signal light input through said first port is output through said second port, and a signal light input through said third port is not output through any ports, said second optical connector is comprised of a second optical 3-port circulator having first, second and third ports wherein a signal light input through said second port is output through said third port, a signal light input through said first port is output through said second port, and a signal light input through said third port is not output through any ports, said first optical 3-port circulator is optically connected at its second port to said first optical input/output line, at its third port to said optical amplifier, and at its first port to said bypass circuit, and said second optical 3-port circulator is optically connected at its second port to said second optical input/output line, at its third port to said bypass circuit, and at its first port to said optical amplifier.