Patent ID: 6633430
Filing Date: 2003-10-14
Classification: H01S,H04B

Abstract:
A booster amplifier that amplifies optical signals on channels at different wavelengths in a wavelength-division-multiplexing optical communications link, wherein the booster amplifier has a gain spectrum, the booster amplifier comprising:a plurality of variable optical attenuators, each of which receives optical signals associated with a different one of the channels; a multiplexer that combines the optical signals for each of the channels onto a single path; at least one gain stage that amplifies the optical signals on the single path and provides corresponding amplified output signals for the wavelength-division-multiplexing optical communications link, wherein the gain stage includes at least one pump for optically pumping the gain stage; and a control unit that controls the plurality of variable optical attenuators and the pump to control the gain spectrum.