Abstract: An optical amplifier for fiber-optic communications systems is provided. The optical amplifier may have variable optical attenuators for adjusting the power on each of multiple input channels. A multiplexer may be used to combine the input channels onto a single optical path. A gain stage may be used to provide optical gain for the optical signals on the optical path. A control unit may be used to control the variable optical attenuators and the gain stage to produce a desired spectrum.

Abstract: Spectral tilt controllers are provided for optical amplifiers and other optical network equipment used in fiber-optic communications links in fiber-optic networks. The tilt controllers may be used to adjust the gain or output power spectrum of an optical amplifier or to modify the optical data signal spectrum in other optical network equipment. Tilt controllers may use mechanical actuators to position a filter element substrate relative to an optical beam. Dielectric filters or other filter arrangements having various different spectral tilt characteristics may be implemented on the same substrate. Spectral tilt and average spectral attenuation values may be adjusted using the tilt controllers if desired.