Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention comprises an optical filter comprising a fiber having a core and a cladding and a light-absorbing coating applied onto a portion of the fiber cladding, the coating attenuating loosely bound cladding modes. In another aspect, the invention comprises a fiber amplifier apparatus comprising fibers for delivering pump laser light and for monitoring signal light and at least one photodetector optically coupled to a monitoring fiber, wherein either an optical filter is disposed between a monitoring fiber and a photodetector or at least one of the fibers has a core and a cladding and a light-absorbing coating applied onto a portion of the fiber cladding. A method in accordance with the present invention includes providing an optical amplifier having fibers for delivering pump laser light and for monitoring signal light, and applying a light-absorbing coating onto a portion of one of said fibers.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention comprises an optical filter comprising a fiber having a core and a cladding and a light-absorbing coating applied onto a portion of the fiber cladding, the coating attenuating loosely bound cladding modes. In another aspect, the invention comprises a fiber amplifier apparatus comprising fibers for delivering pump laser light and for monitoring signal light and at least one photodetector optically coupled to a monitoring fiber, wherein either an optical filter is disposed between a monitoring fiber and a photodetector or at least one of the fibers has a core and a cladding and a light-absorbing coating applied onto a portion of the fiber cladding. A method in accordance with the present invention includes providing an optical amplifier having fibers for delivering pump laser light and for monitoring signal light, and applying a light-absorbing coating onto a portion of one of said fibers.

Abstract: A compliant belt attach assembly for use in a printer includes a belt attach and a drive belt having a drive lug. The belt attach defines a lug chamber for containing the drive lug of the drive belt. First and second drive bars are configured to contact the first and second sides of the drive lug to allow drive lug deformation in response to vibration transmitted by the drive belt.

Abstract: A multi-story structure having a flooring system and method for installing the flooring system in the multi-story structure. The present invention further includes a method of constructing a multi-story structure using the flooring system of the present invention. The flooring system includes a plurality of interconnected layer, including a layer of steel deck. The flooring system is employed throughout the multi-story structure and contributes to an overall lighter weight in construction materials, as well as to a reduction is costs and labor. It is contemplated by the present invention that this flooring system can be employed in any commercial or residential structure having a variety of dimensions and stories.

Abstract: A compliant belt attach assembly for use in a printer includes a belt attach and a drive belt having a drive lug. The belt attach defines a lug chamber for containing the drive lug of the drive belt. First and second drive bars are configured to contact the first and second sides of the drive lug to allow drive lug deformation in response to vibration transmitted by the drive belt.

Abstract: An optical amplifier site comprising: (i) a distributed Raman amplifier providing a first signal gain level; (ii) an optical amplifier located downstream from the distributed Raman amplifier, the optical amplifier being indirectly coupled to the distributed Raman amplifier, the optical amplifier including a first amplification medium, providing a second signal gain level; (iii) at least one optical signal loss element located between the distributed Raman amplifier and the optical amplifier and, contributing at least 0.5 dB optical loss to the amplifier site; (iv) a second amplification medium located down-stream from the first amplification medium; and (v) at least another one optical signal loss element, this at least another one optical signal loss element being located between said first amplification medium and said second amplification medium.

Abstract: An optical amplifier site comprising: (i) a distributed Raman amplifier providing a first signal gain level; (ii) an optical amplifier located downstream from the distributed Raman amplifier, the optical amplifier being indirectly coupled to the distributed Raman amplifier, the optical amplifier including a first amplification medium, providing a second signal gain level; (iii) at least one optical signal loss element located between the distributed Raman amplifier and the optical amplifier and, contributing at least 0.5 dB optical loss to the amplifier site; (iv) a second amplification medium located down-stream from the first amplification medium; and (v) at least another one optical signal loss element, this at least another one optical signal loss element being located between said first amplification medium and said second amplification medium.