Patent ID: 6195200
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A multiwavelength light source comprising:a length of optical waveguide amplifier;a multiwavelength reflector coupled to one end of said waveguide amplifier for reflecting light at a plurality of different, spectrally separated wavelengths into said amplifier;a source of broadband light for directing broadband light onto said optical reflector, whereby said reflector reflects light at said different, spectrally separated wavelengths through said optical waveguide amplifier; andcoupled to said waveguide amplifier an output for receiving amplified light at said different wavelengths from said amplifier, said output having sufficiently low reflectance that the device does not act as a resonant laser for said different wavelengths, said output providing light in a plurality of wavelength channels spectrally separated by sideband rejection of at least 10 dB between successive channels.