The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 23, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 14, 1999
Thomas W. McNamara, Corning, NY (US);
Corning Incorporated, Corning, NY (US);
Abstract
A gain-controllable optical fiber amplifier having an input for receiving an optical signal and an output for providing an amplified optical signal. A first gain stage is coupled between the input and output and includes a first optical fiber and a first pump. A second gain stage is coupled in series with the first stage and includes a second optical fiber and a second pump. The amplifier includes a pump controller for controlling the first and second pumps and adjusting the power output of the first and second pumps to maintain a substantially constant gain. The controller decreases the power output from each of the first and second pumps as a function of minimum output of each pump to minimize noise. Accordingly, the present invention advantageously controls the gain applied to an optical fiber in a manner that minimizes the amount of noise that may otherwise be introduced into the optical signal, especially when the input power is comparable to the backward amplified spontaneous emission of the amplifier.