L-band amplification with detuned 980nm pump

摘要

A method of operating an optical amplifier for improved gain and pump-to-signal conversion efficiency in a long wavelength spectral region (L-band) of the emission spectrum of a rare earth doped gain medium having a known pump absorption band involves the steps of providing an optical signal to the amplifier having a large-signal input power; and providing pumping light to the amplifier having a wavelength that is different from a center wavelength of the known pump absorption band for amplifying the optical signal. Signal gain and improved pump-to-signal conversion efficiency was demonstrated for an erbium L-band signal by detuning the pump between about ±0-30 nm on either side of the pump band center wavelength of 979-980 nm. An optical amplifier employing the described method is also disclosed.