Patent ID: 6023543
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
Amplifier apparatus for a both-way optical link, said link conveying at least one first and at least one second carrier wave carrying information and propagating in respective mutually opposite first and second directions in a light guide, the apparatus comprising:first and second optical amplifiers (RA, TA) each constituted by a light guide respectively conveying the first and second carrier waves, said light guides being doped to be capable of amplifying said waves when excited by pumping waves;at least one pump (PX) for providing, on a pump path (VP), pumping light suitable for constituting said pumping waves; andpump coupling means connecting said pump path to both of said optical amplifiers to provide them respectively with said two pumping waves from said pumping light;the apparatus being characterized by the fact that said pump coupling means include a distributor (B) possessing four branches, constituting:a line branch (BL) connected to a line fiber (L) guiding said two carrier waves;a pump branch (BP) connected to said pump path (VP); andfirst and second amplification branches (BR and BT) respectively connected to said first and second optical amplifiers (RA and TA);said amplifier being suitable:for conveying part of said pumping light from said pump branch to each of its said first and second amplification branches;for conveying at least a part of said first carrier wave from its said line branch to its said first amplification branch; andfor conveying at least a portion of said second carrier wave from its said second amplification branch to its said line branch.