Abstract: An optical device having an amplifier and a controller is described. The amplifier is configured to amplify an optical signal in at least one of the C-Band or the L-Band. The controller includes a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium. The non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer executable code that when executed by the processor causes the processor to: select a target tilt and gain setting from a plurality of target tilt and gain settings stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium based on the type of fault event message responsive to a fault event message affecting the C-band or the L-Band. The selected and pre-calculated target tilt and gain settings are applied to the amplifier.

Abstract: Raman amplifier includes: a pump-light generator configured to supply pump light to a transmission fiber; a measurement circuit configured to measure a relationship between power of the pump light and power of noise output from the transmission fiber with respect to a range from first pump-light power to second pump-light power; a signal detector configured to monitor a supervisory signal in output light of the transmission optical; and a decision unit configured to decide a state of the transmission fiber according to the monitoring result. When the supervisory signal is detected without the pump light, the measurement circuit measures the relationship while increasing the power of the pump light from the first pump-light power. When the supervisory signal is not detected without the pump light, the measurement circuit measures the relationship while decreasing the power of the pump light from the second pump-light power.

Abstract: An extended dynamic range optical amplifier, a method of operation, and a line amplifier configuration include an optical amplifier that can be optimized for high or low span loss conditions by switching an internal stage in or out of an internal light path within the amplifier. The extended dynamic range optical amplifier can include a low gain mode and a high gain mode with an internal switch to switch out a gain mid-stage in a low gain mode to extend the useful dynamic range of the amplifier. Further, the extended dynamic range optical amplifier can use residual pump power from an initial stage to pump the gain mid-stage in the high gain mode. Additionally, the extended dynamic range optical amplifier includes remapping of gain in the initial stage and the gain mid-stage to optimize the amplifier noise performance based on the maximum output power of the amplifier.

Abstract: A fiber fuse detecting apparatus provides early detection of a fiber fuse generation in an optical fiber that propagates laser light, preventing the damage from expanding. It comprises light input means arranged on a laser light incidence side of the optical fiber that inputs at least a portion of reverse direction propagation light propagating in a reverse direction to light incidenting the optical fiber, light receiving means that photo-electrically converts light input by the light input means, electric filter means that extracts from an output signal of the light receiving means a prescribed frequency band component that contains a periodic signal due to fiber fuse, detecting means that detects change of or a prescribed value in output level of the electric filter means, and warning means that emits a warning signal in response to a detection output of the detecting means. The laser light to the optical fiber is stopped or reduced by means of the warning means.

Abstract: A processing method and a transceiver for channel changing in a joint transceiving mode are provided. The method includes: performing fault detection for one or more direct channels; after a fault is detected on a direct channel, stopping sending signals on the direct channel; detecting whether the direct channel with fault has been recovered; and when recovery of the direct channel with fault is detected, resuming sending signals on the direct channel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting an opening in a transmission fiber connecting a discrete gain unit to a pump unit of a Remote Optically Pumped Amplifier (ROPA) system. The method comprises measuring an optical power entering the pump unit from the transmission fiber, the optical power being in a selected wavelength range, and establishing that the optical power lacks an ASE noise power component generated by the gain unit. The lack of this component indicates the presence of a break or opening in the transmission fiber, and triggers corrective action whereby pump lasers within the pump unit are shut down or have their power reduced to a safe level.

Abstract: A fiber laser amplifier system including a beam splitter that splits a feedback beam into a plurality of fiber beams where a separate fiber beam is sent to a fiber amplifier for amplifying the fiber beam. A tapered fiber bundle couples the output ends of all of the fiber amplifiers into a combined fiber providing a combined output beam. A beam sampler samples a portion of the output beam from the tapered fiber bundle and provides a sample beam. A single mode fiber receives the sample beam from the beam sampler and provides the feedback beam.

Abstract: In an optical transmission system according to one aspect of the present invention, for transmitting a WDM light from a transmission station to a reception station, utilizing a Raman amplifier, the Raman amplifier comprises: an optical amplification medium; a pumping light source generating a plurality of pumping lights having wavelengths different from each other; an optical device introducing the plurality of pumping lights to the optical amplification medium; and control means for controlling the pumping light source, the transmission station sends out a plurality of reference lights having wavelengths at which respective Raman gain obtained by the plurality of pumping lights reach peaks or wavelengths close to the above wavelengths, and the control means controls the plurality of pumping lights based on the optical powers of the plurality of reference lights. Thus, it becomes possible to accurately manage the optical power balance of the WDM light and the optical power of the entire WDM light.

Abstract: A method and an associated system for monitoring and instantly identifying faults in a data communication cable are disclosed. A fault monitoring program learns a reference data traffic pattern communicated through the data communication cable by reading inputs from a sensor. The reference data traffic pattern is stored and is used for determining normalcy of data traffic through the data communication cable. The fault monitoring program monitors for a fault in a data traffic, and, if a fault is detected, activates a fault indicator sending out fault signals to notify users of the fault. If the fault is not recovered within a predefined recovery period, the fault monitoring program deactivates the fault indicator and shuts down a power source for later use of the data communication cable.

Abstract: A photo amplifying apparatus for amplifying wavelength division multiplexed signals includes a specific wavelength measuring unit for measuring a specific wavelength at a measuring point, a total power measuring unit for measuring all wavelengths at the measuring point, and an output control unit for controlling the output of the photo amplifying apparatus based on the light power measured by the specific wavelength measuring unit and the total power measuring unit. Since the photo amplifying apparatus measures both the specific wavelength and all wavelengths, the photo amplifying apparatus can determine change in the number of multiplexed wavelengths and the gain gradient of the photo signals, and can properly control its output level.

Abstract: A system and method for providing eye-safety protection during operation of a lumped optical amplifier. The method is based on monitoring of continuous out-of-band Raman amplified spontaneous scattering (ASS) created by the amplified signal in an optical communication network span coupled to an output port of the lumped optical amplifier. The system includes at least one gain stage for providing an amplified signal introduced into the span, a monitoring unit for performing the continuous Raman ASS monitoring, and a control unit operative to detect and analyze in real-time changes in the ASS power, and upon determination that such changes indicate an open span, to reduce the power of the amplified signal or shut down the gain stage.

Abstract: Optical amplifier which can eliminate the need for an optical detection section before an external attenuating medium, can prevent SN degradation, and can reduce power required for pumping light. An attenuation amount detection section detects an amount of signal light attenuation caused by a variable optical attenuator and the external attenuating medium connected in series, by means of a front optical detection section provided before the variable optical attenuator and the external attenuating medium and a back optical detection section provided thereafter. An attenuation amount control section controls the variable optical attenuator such that the amount of signal light attenuation detected by the attenuation amount detection section is kept constant. A connection detection section detects a connection or disconnection of the external attenuating medium in accordance with the amount of signal light attenuation obtained when the amount of attenuation caused by the variable optical attenuator is minimized.

Abstract: A circuit and associated method for safety shutdown of an optical amplifier, wherein the power of an amplified spontaneous emission ASE is subject to a correction factor and subtracted from a measured signal extracted from the optical signal.

Abstract: A request method for performing optical power management to accomplish planned addition and removal of wavelengths in an optical communications system is disclosed, wherein each wavelength has a path of transmission through the system. The method comprises communicating a request for a power ramp to at least one path network component in the path, determining that the path network component has made preparations for the power ramp, and performing a power ramp in response to the determination. Further, a response method for performing power management to accomplish planned addition and removal of wavelengths in an optical communications system is disclosed, wherein each wavelength has a path of transmission through the system. The method comprises receiving a request for a power ramp, making preparations for the power ramp, determining that the power ramp has been completed, and resuming normal operation in response to the determination.

Abstract: Power of scattered light separated from an optical transmission path is monitored, part of the excitation light is separated and power thereof is monitored, power of reflected light which passes in a direction opposite to a direction in which signal light passes through the optical transmission path is monitored, and, when monitored power of an excitation light reaches a predetermined determination value, whether or not any loss point occurs is determined, based on a ratio between the monitored power of the scattered light and the monitored power of the reflected light.

Abstract: A method for detecting a connector disengagement of an optical fiber amplifier and a transmission optical fiber connected thereto, the optical fiber amplifier including a doped optical fiber and a pumping light source, and a transmission optical fiber including at least one connecting portion connected to an output of the optical fiber amplifier, includes the steps of: measuring a reflection from the transmission optical fiber to the optical fiber amplifier; and comparing the reflection to an allowable range between a first threshold that is greater than a predetermined reflection in the absence of a connector disengagement, and a second threshold that is smaller than the predetermined reflection in the absence of a connector disengagement; determining that there is no connector disengagement when the measured reflection is within the allowable range; and determining that there is a connector disengagement otherwise.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an optical amplification apparatus using Raman amplification, which can reliably judge an input interruption of signal light and can shut down the supply of excitation light in accordance with a judged input interruption of the signal light. To this end, the optical amplification apparatus of the present invention comprises an input interruption detection means for detecting a noise light component due to the Raman amplification, and judging an input interruption of the signal light based on the detection result, and further comprises a shut down control means for shutting down supply of the excitation light when an input interruption of the signal light is judged by the input interruption detection means.

Abstract: A Raman fiber amplifier includes: a transmission fiber; at least one optical pump providing optical pump power to the transmission fiber; and at least one pump power detector; at least one signal detector detecting signal power propagating through the transmission fiber. The Raman fiber amplifier also includes a controller that adjusts the pump power provided by the pump to adjust, gain, or signal power provided by this Raman fiber amplifier.

Abstract: An optical transmission system comprising a first optical waveguide suitable for transmitting a first information signal, a second optical waveguide suitable for transmitting a second information signal, and input means for providing an electro magnetic radiation signal into said first waveguide, said signal being suitable for providing Raman amplification of the information signals, the system further comprising an optical coupling between said waveguides, arranged to transmit at least a portion of the Raman amplification signal from the first waveguide to the second whilst substantially blocking the transmission of the information signals between the waveguides.

Abstract: An optical amplifier includes an optical amplifying medium having a multiplexed light input thereto and providing an output of amplified multiplexed light, an excitation source which excites the optical amplifying medium; and at least one of a first monitor for monitoring the amplified multiplexed light from the optical amplifying medium and a second monitor for monitoring the multiplexed light input to the optical amplifying medium. An operation amount of the excitation source for the optical amplifying medium is controlled using a monitoring result output from at least one of said first and second monitors.

Abstract: An optical communication line having optical fiber amplifiers including a pump laser can be configured to suppress the transmission of optical signals by reducing the power of the pump laser. In order that the portion of the line downstream of the amplifier can be monitored for fiber breaks causing only negligible crosstalk with a parallel working line, and with the elimination of the risk of mistaking reflections from a working line for light emitted by the standby amplifier, the light emitted by the standby amplifier is modulated by a low frequency control tone. The modulated laser light causes modulation of the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) generated in the amplifier to create a control tone. Monitoring means disposed at the end of the optical line detect this control tone and use this as the criteria for a functional connection downstream the amplifier.

Abstract: An optical node and method for operation in an ultra long haul backbone network that provides DWDM optical transmission and wavelength networking functionalities are disclosed. The optical node is designed with capabilities for amplification, dispersion compensation, and add/drop functionalities. In one embodiment, three erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) are cascaded using low nonlinearity and low loss dispersion compensating module (DCM).

Abstract: The amplification and noise level of an optical communication signal is controlled by providing a feedback loop to adjust the energy level of an optical pump energy source used to amplify the communication signal. The communication signal is combined with an optical control signal outputted by the pump energy source. The communication signal is amplified as the combined signals pass through an erbium doped fiber optic cable energized by the control signal. The amplified communication signal is then separated from the control signal. The control signal is in a depleted state (substantially residual pump energy) after traveling through the length of the erbium doped fiber optic cable. A feedback signal, used to adjust the energy level of the control signal, is generated based on the amplified communication signal and the depleted control signal.

Abstract: An optical amplifier and an optical multiplexing transmission system using the same are disclosed. Automatic restoration of the operation becomes possible and malfunctioning of an APSD function is prevented. The optical amplifier using Raman amplification includes; a Raman excitation light source for generating Raman light; and a detection circuit for detecting a signal error in an OSC (optical supervisory channel) signal transmitted in addition to optical transmission signal. When the detection circuit detects a bit error in the OSC signal, an output power from Raman excitation light source is controlled so as not to injure the human body.

Abstract: A receiver node includes an optical amplifier optically coupled to the input of a receiving device such as a PIN photodiode. A controller inputs received power level values from the receiver to perform gain control. The input signal of an optical receiving device is pre-amplified by an optical amplifier such that the amplified signal is within a dynamic range of the receiving device. Upon the occurrence of a LOS (loss of signal) event, the controller sets the gain to a Home Gain value. Thus, when the signal is reestablished, a strong signal will not be over amplified and damage the receiver. Gain control is reestablished when the LOS event is over. Various methods are used to declare LOS including comparing the received power level or commanded pump power against a threshold. The LOS declaration may also be received from an external device or service channel.

Abstract: A method of controlling an output of an optical amplifier which amplifies a multiplexed light ray propagated through a transmission path in an optical transmission system and which includes a probe light beam and other light beams. The method includes utilizing a rare earth added optical fiber as an optical amplifying medium, monitoring the probe light beam and controlling an output of the probe light beam and outputs of the other light beams amplified by the optical amplifier using a result of the monitoring.

Abstract: A system for configuring an optical amplifier in a fiber optic communications network including a safety shutdown input, includes a non-volatile memory for storing optical amplifier parameters. Circuitry is provided for inputting amplifier parameters into the memory and for changing previously stored amplifier parameters. Configuration of the optical amplifier parameters cannot be changed until a hardware control input is actuated. The system also provides for an indication of a mismatch between newly input parameters and previously stored optical amplifier parameters.

Abstract: A low cost L-band EDF (erbium doped fiber) amplifier offering high safety for human beings. Signal light and forward pumping light enter from the front end of the EDF. Amplified signal light exits and backward pumping light enters from the rear end of the EDF. The signal light that exits the rear end of the EDF isoutput from an optical connector. The power of the output signal light is set to its normal value when an optical fiber is connected to the optical connector, but is reduced to a level safe for the human body when an optical fiber is not connected to the optical connector. When the output signal light power is reduced, the forward pumping light power is reduced to a prescribed value that is not zero, and the backward pumping light power is reduced to zero. Where the backward pumping light power is zero, the output signal light power depends solely on the forward pumping light power. Therefore, the output signal light power can be reduced to a safe level using a simple control circuit.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an optical amplification apparatus using Raman amplification, which can reliably judge an input interruption of signal light and can shut down the supply of excitation light in accordance with a judged input interruption of the signal light. To this end, the optical amplification apparatus of the present invention comprises an input interruption detection means for detecting a noise light component due to the Raman amplification, and judging an input interruption of the signal light based on the detection result, and further comprises a shut down control means for shutting down supply of the excitation light when an input interruption of the signal light is judged by the input interruption detection means.

Abstract: An optical amplifier and an optical multiplexing transmission system using the same are disclosed. Automatic restoration of the operation becomes possible and malfunctioning of an APSD function is prevented. The optical amplifier using Raman amplification includes; a Raman excitation light source for generating Raman light; and a detection circuit for detecting a signal error in an OSC (optical supervisory channel) signal transmitted in addition to optical transmission signal. When the detection circuit detects a bit error in the OSC signal, an output power from Raman excitation light source is controlled so as not to injure the human body.

Abstract: An optical amplifier comprises an active fiber (1) a pump unit (2) spaced from the active fiber and adapted to give a nominal, continuous pump power in an operational state, and a pump fiber (3) adapted to transfer optical pump power from the pump unit (2) to the active fiber (1). Moreover, in a safety state, the pump unit (2) is adapted to give a pulsed pump power whose mean power is lower than a prescribed safety limit. A method of preventing emission of optical power exceeding a prescribed safety limit on interruption of an optical fiber (3) which transfers pump power from a pump unit (2) to an active fiber (1), comprises changing the mean power of the pump power in response to a signal received from the active fiber (1) so that the mean power assumes a value below said safety limit if said signal is not received, and assumes a nominal value if said signal is received.

Abstract: A method of operating Raman amplification pump lasers, especially in telecommunication systems, is described and claimed, in which the Raman pump laser output powers are modulated in characteristic fashions. Parameters of these characteristic modulations may be detected at remote locations (i.e. locations along the communications fibres) even in the presence of large amounts of noise. Thus, by detecting losses of signals indicative of the characteristic modulations, breaks in the communication fibres can be detected more reliably. The disappearance of these signals can then be used to shut down the typically high power Raman pump lasers, thereby reducing the possibility of high laser powers escaping from the broken fibres. The specification also described an improved method of detecting the disappearance of a data signal at an amplifier unit, using a periodic filter to split the incoming signal into two streams, the first stream comprising data and noise, and the second comprising noise only.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for intelligently shutting down an optical energy source in a communication system having optical amplifiers upon detection of a system failure.

Abstract: An optical amplifier including a pumping source for supplying pump light to an optical fiber transmission line is provided so that at least a part of the optical fiber transmission line produces Raman amplification to an optical signal. An optical filter unit for selectively switching between a first condition where the optical signal and the pump light are passed and a second condition where the optical signal is passed and the pump light is not passed is connected between the optical fiber transmission line and the optical amplifier. The power of the optical signal in the first condition is compared with that in the second condition, and the characteristics of the optical fiber transmission line, such as a splice loss therein, is evaluated according to the result of this comparison.

Abstract: A low cost L-band EDF (erbium doped fiber) amplifier offering high safety for human beings. Signal light and forward pumping light enter from the front end of the EDF. Amplified signal light exits and backward pumping light enters from the rear end of the EDF. The signal light that exits the rear end of the EDF is output from an optical connector. The power of the output signal light is set to its normal value when an optical fiber is connected to the optical connector, but is reduced to a level safe for the human body when an optical fiber is not connected to the optical connector. When the output signal light power is reduced, the forward pumping light power is reduced to a prescribed value that is not zero, and the backward pumping light power is reduced to zero. Where the backward pumping light power is zero, the output signal light power depends solely on the forward pumping light power. Therefore, the output signal light power can be reduced to a safe level using a simple control circuit.

Abstract: Automatic reduction of optical signal power supplied by an upstream network element by a prescribed amount is achieved by capturing and processing reflected optical energy that is generated within the optical fiber path as a result of a downstream fiber cut, open connector, or other potentially hazardous discontinuity. Generally, the power level of the reflected optical signal is detected and measured in the optical fiber path and the optical signal power supplied by the upstream network element is automatically reduced. The optical signal power may either be reduced by an amount corresponding to the measured reflected optical signal power or may be completely shut off until the faulty condition is resolved.

Abstract: In a WDM optical transmission system employing optical amplifiers in its transmission path, a supervisory signal channel, used for monitoring and controlling the operation of the amplifiers and spectrally separated from the data transmission, may be multiplexed with the data. A construction of amplifier is disclosed which is capable of being upgraded with an upgrade of the transmission system to include additional data handling capacity, for instance data transmission in an additional waveband and/or in the opposite direction, without interruption of the pre-upgrade data transmission path through the amplifiers. This is accomplished by the use of channel dropping and insertion filters disposed so that the amplifying data transmission path extends via the drop/insertion channel of those filters.

Abstract: The output level of pumping light supplied from a pumping light source is varied using a variable attenuator, which is controlled by a variable attenuator driver circuit. By separating a portion containing the pumping light source from a portion containing an amplification medium, it becomes possible to prevent heat emitted by the pumping light source from adversely affecting the amplification medium. By arranging the portion containing the pumping light source such that a pumping light source or sources can be added when necessary, optical transmission system requirements of having more pumping light sources for system upgrade can be accommodated readily. By packaging portions containing amplification media, an optical amplifier can be made small.