Optical amplifier and method for controlling the same
US5923463A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/13013
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A wavelength within an amplifying wavelength band of an optical amplifier is introduced into the optical amplifier at all times or when an interruption and/or reduction of a ray of input light is detected. When the interruption and/or reduction of the input light is detected, an output of the excited light is interrupted or reduced, an optical switch is controlled so that the input light is interrupted, and after the input light is restored, a transmittivity of the optical switch is progressively increased or the input light is passed for a constant period of protection time. Thus, when the input light has been restored, a light surge may be reduced without any adverse affect of a reverse distribution of the optical amplifier. In the case where the input light is abruptly raised during a period of moderation of the excited level, it is possible to suppress the light surge caused by the long service life due to the natural discharge of the excited level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.