Abstract: An apparatus and method are introduced for preventing a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber wound on the same spool from interfering from one another. The apparatus comprises an annulus having an inner edge, an outer edge, and an annular width consisting of the distance, measured radially, between the inner and outer edges. The inner edge of the annulus is sized to fit snugly in a coaxial fashion around the spool, and the annular width should be at least large enough to separate the first and second optical coil.

Abstract: A safety interlocking arrangement for use with a doped fiber amplifier and its associated pump source(s). A pair of metallized jumper cables are used to interconnect the amplifier and pump source, where the physically connections to the housings are electrically isolated. Within the pump source, an isolated power supply, in series with a control switch (such as an optical coupler) is connected between the isolated fiber coupling ports. Within the doped fiber amplifier, a diode is connected between the isolated amplifier fiber coupling ports. When the metallized jumper fiber cables are properly connected between the pump source and the amplifier, the electrical circuit is completed and a low level current will flow. The current activates the control switch within the pump source, where the control switch functions to turn "on" the pump source lasers. If either metallized jumper fiber is misconnected, broken or missing, no current will flow.