Patent ID: 7206124

Claim:
A gain-providing optical power equalization apparatus for equalizing uneven power levels of optical signals for every optical channel, comprising: an optical amplifier array comprising a plurality of optical amplifiers for providing the optical signals for every optical channel with different gains, and thus equalizing power levels for every channel of the optical signals; an optical demultiplexer for dividing a power signal of an optical signal having uneven power levels for every optical channel into signals for every optical channel; and a plurality of optical paths through which the optical power signals divided by the optical demultiplexer are transmitted, an optical multiplexer for collecting signal channels equalized by the optical amplifier array; wherein the optical amplifiers are arranged on the plurality of optical paths, wherein the plurality of optical paths are waveguides each containing a gain medium, and the optical amplifier array is an optical waveguide amplifier array, wherein the gain medium is made of a silica-based material doped with nanocrystals and rare-earth elements, wherein the optical amplifier is a pump light source disposed above the waveguide having the gain medium, and wherein the optical waveguide amplifier array is driven by a top pumping operation.