METHODS AND APPARATUSES TO PROVIDE A BROADBAND LIGHT SOURCE WITH TWO OR MORE OUTPUT PORTS

摘要

Various methods, apparatuses, and systems are described in which a broadband light source supplies multiple sources of light. The broadband light source may have multiple gain stages including a common gain stage connected to a first output gain stage and a second output gain stage. The common gain stage may generate and propagate bi-directionally ASE light having a first band of wavelengths. The common gain stage may supply the ASE light to both the first output gain stage and the second output gain stage. The second output gain stage may generate ASE light in a second band of wavelengths by using the ASE light in the first band of wavelengths as a pumping light.