Abstract: Optical amplifiers and other optical network equipment is provided for use in fiber-optic communications networks. The equipment may include dynamic spectral filters and optical channel monitors. Temperature controllers may be used to control the temperatures of the dynamic spectral filters, optical channel monitors, and other components such as erbium-doped fiber coils in optical gain stages. Control units in the equipment may provide alarms based on status information and data from the dynamic spectral filters, optical channel monitors, temperature sensors, and other components.

Abstract: An automobile personal computer system is provided. A user of the system may wirelessly interact with merchants, communications facilities, information providers, computers at the home or office, and other entities. Such interactions may involve local wireless links and remote wireless links. Wireless communications may involve satellite transmissions, cellular transmissions, short-range wireless transmissions, etc. Products may be purchased using voice commands or by interacting with displays in the automobile. The automobile's location and functions may be monitored and controlled. Location information and other information particular to the user may be used to target promotions to the user. The user may obtain information on the goods or services available at a merchant while driving and may initiate a purchase transaction for those goods or services.

Abstract: Multiwavelength Raman pumps for Raman amplifiers are provided. The multiwavelength Raman pumps may be based on semiconductor devices that have multiple source regions, each of which handles pump light at a different wavelength. An optical coupler such as a lens and isolator arrangement or an integral fiber lens may be used to couple pump light from the multiwavelength Raman pump into a fiber. A depolarizer may be used to depolarize the Raman pump light provided by the Raman pump. Gratings may be used to define the lasing wavelengths for the Raman pump. A number of tunable sources may be used on the semiconductor device. A fiber Bragg grating may be used to form an external cavity or coupled cavity arrangement for the semiconductor device.