Patent ID: 7180655

Claim:
A broad-band light source, comprising: (a) an optical waveguide that: (a1) comprises at least one optical active element that generates an ASE lightwave when a pumping lightwave is supplied; (a2) outputs an ASE lightwave in a first wavelength band from a first end of the optical waveguide; and (a3) outputs an ASE lightwave in a second wavelength band from a second end of the optical waveguide, wherein the first end and the second end are different portions of the optical waveguide; (b) at least one pumping lightwave-supplying means for supplying a pumping lightwave to the at least one optical active element; and (c) a lightwave combining means that: (c1) receives the ASE lightwave in the first wavelength band at a first input port; (c2) receives the ASE lightwave in the second wavelength band at a second input port; (c3) combines the received ASE lightwaves to produce a resultant ASE lightwave; and (c4) outputs the resultant ASE lightwave.