Abstract: Techniques are provided for identifying and monitoring connections in an optical system. A plurality of optical ports is configured to receive a plurality of optical links that couple with one or more remote optical devices. At least one light source generates identification (ID) signals. At least one optical element configured to direct the ID signals into transmission paths from the source optical device to the remote optical device/s over the plurality of optical links. The remote optical device/s include one or more optical elements that direct the ID signals through a set of WDM filters and returns the ID signals. At least one optical element directs returned ID signals to an optical channel monitor. At least one microprocessor configured to execute control instructions to generate the ID signals and process one or more outputs of the optical channel monitor in response to the returned ID signals to identify the plurality of optical links.

Abstract: A method for gain control for an optical amplifier module is provided. The method may include receiving an input light signal at a first amplifier. The method may include dynamically adjusting a gain of the input light signal based on feedback monitoring of an output light signal. The method may include receiving the gain adjusted light signal at a second amplifier for output of the optical amplifier module.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for identifying and monitoring connections in an optical system. A plurality of optical ports is configured to receive a plurality of optical links that couple with one or more remote optical devices. At least one light source generates identification (ID) signals. At least one optical element configured to direct the ID signals into transmission paths from the source optical device to the remote optical device/s over the plurality of optical links. The remote optical device/s include one or more optical elements that direct the ID signals through a set of WDM filters and returns the ID signals. At least one optical element directs returned ID signals to an optical channel monitor. At least one microprocessor configured to execute control instructions to generate the ID signals and process one or more outputs of the optical channel monitor in response to the returned ID signals to identify the plurality of optical links.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for identifying and monitoring connections in an optical system. A plurality of optical ports is configured to receive a plurality of optical links that couple with one or more remote optical devices. At least one light source generates identification (ID) signals. At least one optical element configured to direct the ID signals into transmission paths from the source optical device to the remote optical device/s over the plurality of optical links. The remote optical device/s include one or more optical elements that direct the ID signals through a set of WDM filters and returns the ID signals. At least one optical element directs returned ID signals to an optical channel monitor. At least one microprocessor configured to execute control instructions to generate the ID signals and process one or more outputs of the optical channel monitor in response to the returned ID signals to identify the plurality of optical links.

Abstract: An amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) light source and a method for using the ASE light source are provided. The ASE light source may include a seed stage light source for providing a light beam to be amplified. The apparatus may include a tunable element coupled to the seed stage light source configured for filtering a portion of the light beam from the seed stage light source. The apparatus may include a loopback circuit coupled to the tunable element, the loopback circuit comprising a booster stage element for amplifying light from the tunable element.

Abstract: An optical fiber transmission system and method for using the system are provided. The system may include a span of transmission fiber for transmitting light signals through the optical fiber transmission system. The system may include a dispersion compensating module coupled to the span of transmission fiber. The system may include a switchable module including a set of selectable light signal paths, the set of selectable light signal paths including at least one path through a dispersion compensating element. The system may include a processor coupled to the switchable module for selectively monitoring the set of selectable light signal paths, where the processor is further configured to derive a metric based on the set of selectable light signal paths for controlling the dispersion compensating module.

Abstract: An amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) light source and a method for using the ASE light source are provided. The ASE light source may include a seed stage light source for providing a light beam to be amplified. The apparatus may include a tunable element coupled to the seed stage light source configured for filtering a portion of the light beam from the seed stage light source. The apparatus may include a loopback circuit coupled to the tunable element, the loopback circuit comprising a booster stage element for amplifying light from the tunable element.

Abstract: An optical fiber transmission system and method for using the system are provided. The system may include a span of transmission fiber for transmitting light signals through the optical fiber transmission system. The system may include a dispersion compensating module coupled to the span of transmission fiber. The system may include a switchable module including a set of selectable light signal paths, the set of selectable light signal paths including at least one path through a dispersion compensating element. The system may include a processor coupled to the switchable module for selectively monitoring the set of selectable light signal paths, where the processor is further configured to derive a metric based on the set of selectable light signal paths for controlling the dispersion compensating module.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for enhancing the signal power to ASE power ratio in an optical amplifier including a 1×n input optical switching component, n band-pass filters, and an n×1 output optical switching component, wherein the signal power is allowed to pass through the band-pass filter switched by the 1×n input optical switching component and the n×1 output optical switching component.

Abstract: A Self-adapting feed forward control apparatus in an optical amplifier includes a feed forward controller for collecting target output power (Pout) and controlling drive current of a pump laser in the optical amplifier; a feedback controller for calculating target output power (Pt) and collecting actual output power (Pout), calculating deviation between (Pt) and (Pout), and controlling drive current of the pump laser; and a parameter estimator for collecting power target, output power and summation of output signal of the feed forward controller and feedback controller, and estimating the feed forward parameter and updating the parameter of the feed forward controller. The apparatus can automatically correct the feed forward control parameters according to the variation of EDFA parameters due to environmental condition changes or device aging.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for enhancing the signal power to ASE power ratio in an optical amplifier including a 1×n input optical switching component, n band-pass filters, and an n×1 output optical switching component, wherein the signal power is allowed to pass through the band-pass filter switched by the 1×n input optical switching component and the n×1 output optical switching component.

Abstract: A Self-adapting feed forward control apparatus in an optical amplifier includes a feed forward controller for collecting target output power (Pout) and controlling drive current of a pump laser in the optical amplifier; a feedback controller for calculating target output power (Pt) and collecting actual output power (Pout), calculating deviation between (Pt) and (Pout), and controlling drive current of the pump laser; and a parameter estimator for collecting power target, output power and summation of output signal of the feed forward controller and feedback controller, and estimating the feed forward parameter and updating the parameter of the feed forward controller. The apparatus can automatically correct the feed forward control parameters according to the variation of EDFA parameters due to environmental condition changes or device aging.