Patent ID: 7929202

Claim:
A device for amplifying an optical signal comprising: means for providing a gain to said optical signal, wherein said means for providing gain includes a pre-amp input region into which said optical signal enters said means for providing gain, a power-amp output region through which said optical signal exits said means for providing gain and an intermediate region between said pre-amp input region and said power-amp output region; means for injecting a pumping current into said means for providing gain; and means for varying a current density associated with said current across a length of said means for providing gain, said means for varying said current density comprises a dielectric layer having a plurality of openings formed therein, wherein said plurality of openings are disposed in a pattern which creates a variable resistance to said current along said means for providing gain, wherein said means for varying said current density provides for a first current density in said pre-amp input region of said means for providing gain, a second current density in said power-amp output region of said means for providing gain and a third current density in said intermediate region of said means for providing gain, wherein said first and second current densities are greater than said third current density.