摘要 |
<p>A device comprising an optical amplifier including an optical amplifying medium, and first and second optical filters operatively connected to the optical amplifier to suppress the wavelength dependence of gain. The medium has an input end and an output end for an optical signal. The medium is pumped so that it provides a gain band. The gain band includes a first band giving a relatively high gain and noise figure to the optical signal and a second band giving a relatively low gain and noise figure to the optical signal. The first optical filter is connected to the input end of the medium and has characteristics such that the first optical filter suppresses the wavelength dependence of gain in the second band. The second optical filter is connected to the output end of the medium and has characteristics such that the second optical filter suppresses the wavelength dependence of gain in the first band. This configuration allows suitable suppression of the wavelength dependence of gain in each optical filter, thereby providing a low noise figure and high optical output power. <IMAGE></p> |