Unit for amplifying light signals in optical fiber transmission lines

Claim 2

An optical fiber telecommunication system, comprising an optical signal transmission station having an optical signal source for transmitting optical signals at a predetermined wavelength and an optical signal receiving station and an optical fiber line interconnecting said transmission station and said receiving station, said optical fiber line including at least one optical amplifier intermediate and interconnecting portions of said line for amplifying optical signals received by said amplifier and thereby providing amplifier gain without converting said optical signals to another form, said optical amplifier including an active fiber with a core doped with a fluorescing substance and a pumping source coupled thereto by means of a further optical fiber for providing energy to said active fiber, said active fiber having an input end coupled to the portion of said optical fiber line which is coupled to said transmission station and an output end coupled at least to another portion of said fiber line which is coupled to said receiving station, at least one said active fiber end being coupled to said further optical fiber, the improvement comprising at least energy reflection limiting means for reducing the energy reflected toward said active fiber by way of said portions of said optical fiber line and said further optical fiber, said energy reflection limiting means including a first energy refection limiting means intermediate said output end of said active fiber and said another portion of said optical fiber line, a second energy reflection limiting means intermediate said optical signal source and said input end of said active fiber and at least in the event that said further optical fiber is coupled to a said end of said active fiber without an energy reflection limiting means intermediate the point of coupling of said further optical fiber to the last-mentioned said end, said further optical fiber includes energy reflection limiting means which includes an end surface thereof spaced from said point of coupling and extending at an oblique angle to the optical axis of said further optical fiber, and each of said energy reflection limiting means has an energy reflectivity toward said active fiber which is at least 10 db lower than the energy reflectivity of said optical fiber line due to Rayleigh scattering at said predetermined wavelength.

Claim 3

An optical fiber telecommunication system, comprising an optical signal transmission station having an optical signal source for transmitting optical signals at a predetermined wavelength and an optical signal receiving station and an optical fiber line interconnecting said transmission station and said receiving station, said optical fiber line including at least one optical amplifier intermediate and interconnecting portions of said line for amplifying optical signals received by said amplifier and thereby providing amplifier gain without converting said optical signals to another form, said optical amplifier including an active fiber with a core doped with a fluorescing substance and a pumping source coupled thereto by means of a further optical fiber for providing energy to said active fiber, said active fiber having an input end coupled to the portion of said optical fiber line which is coupled to said transmission station and an output end coupled at least to another portion of said fiber line which is coupled to said receiving station, at least one said active fiber end being coupled to said further optical fiber, the improvement comprising at least energy reflection limiting means for reducing the energy reflected toward said active fiber by way of said portions of said optical fiber line and said further optical fiber, said energy reflection limiting means including a first energy reflection limiting means intermediate said output end of said active fiber and said another portion of said optical fiber line, a second energy reflection limiting means intermediate said optical signal source and said input end of said active fiber and at least in the event that said further optical fiber is coupled to a said end of said active fiber without an energy reflection limiting means intermediate the point of coupling of said further optical fiber to the last-mentioned said end, said further optical fiber includes energy reflection limiting means which includes an end surface thereof spaced from said point of coupling which has an antireflection coating thereon.

Claim 4

An optical fiber telecommunication system, comprising an optical signal transmission station having an optical signal source for transmitting optical signals at a predetermined wavelength and an optical signal receiving station and an optical fiber line interconnecting said transmission station and said receiving station, said optical fiber line including at least one optical amplifier intermediate and interconnecting portions of said line for amplifying optical signals received by said amplifier and thereby providing amplifier gain without converting said optical signals to another form, said optical amplifier including an active fiber with a core doped with a fluorescing substance and a pumping source coupled thereto by means of a further optical fiber for providing energy to said active fiber, said active fiber having an input end coupled to the portion of said optical fiber line which is coupled to said transmission station and an output end coupled at least to another portion of said fiber line which is coupled to said receiving station, at least one said active fiber end being coupled to said further optical fiber, the improvement comprising at least energy reflection limiting means for reducing the energy reflected toward said active fiber by way of said portions of said optical fiber line and said further optical fiber, said energy reflection limiting means including a first energy reflection limiting means intermediate said output end of said active fiber and said another portion of said optical fiber line, a second energy reflection limiting means intermediate said optical signal source and said input end of said active fiber and at least in the event that said further optical fiber is coupled to a said end of said active fiber without an energy reflection limiting means intermediate the point of coupling of said further optical fiber to the last-mentioned said end, said further optical fiber includes energy reflection limiting means which includes an end surface thereof spaced from said point of coupling which has an antireflection coating thereon.

Claim 5

Optical amplifying apparatus for interconnecting an input optical fiber line connected to an optical telecommunication signal station and carrying optical telecommunication signals at a predetermined wavelength with an output optical fiber line and delivering amplified optical telecommunication signals to said output optical fiber line without conversion of the optical telecommunication signals to another form, said apparatus comprising: an active-fiber amplifier having a predetermined amplification gain, said amplifier comprising an active optical fiber with a core doped with a fluorescing substance and with an input end and an output end, a source of optical light pumping energy, and coupling means coupling said source to said input end of said active optical fiber including an optical fiber with optical energy reflection limiting means extending from said source of optical light pumping energy to said coupling means, the last-mentioned said optical fiber having a surface at said source of pumping energy which extends at an oblique angle with respect to the optical axis of the last-mentioned said optical fiber, said surface and the attenuation caused by the last-mentioned said optical fiber providing said optical energy reflection limiting means for the last-mentioned said optical fiber; and optical energy refection limiting means in series with said input end of said active fiber and in series with said output end of said active fiber for limiting energy reflected to said active fiber by optical fibers coupled thereto, the last-mentioned said optical energy reflection limiting means having a reflectivity toward said input end and said output end of said active fiber at least 10 dB lower than the reflectivity of said optical fibers due to Rayleigh scattering at said predetermined wavelength.

Claim 6

Optical amplifying apparatus for interconnecting an input optical fiber line connected to an optical telecommunication signal station and carrying optical telecommunication signals at a predetermined wavelength with an output optical fiber line and delivering amplified optical telecommunication signals to said output optical fiber line without conversion of the optical telecommunication signals to another form, said apparatus comprising: an active-fiber amplifier having a predetermined amplification gain, said amplifier comprising an active optical fiber with a core doped with a fluorescing substance and with an input end and an output end, a source of optical light pumping energy, and coupling means coupling said source to said input end of said active optical fiber including an optical fiber with optical energy reflection limiting means extending from said source of optical light pumping energy to said coupling means, the last-mentioned said optical fiber having a surface at said source of pumping energy which extends at an oblique angle with respect to the optical axis of the last-mentioned said optical fiber, said surface and the attenuation caused by the last-mentioned said optical fiber providing said optical energy reflection limiting means for the last-mentioned said optical fiber; and optical energy refection limiting means in series with said input end of said active fiber and in series with said output end of said active fiber for limiting energy reflected to said active fiber by optical fibers coupled thereto, the last-mentioned said optical energy reflection limiting means having a reflectivity toward said input end and said output end of said active fiber at least 10 dB lower than the reflectivity of said optical fibers due to Rayleigh scattering at said predetermined wavelength.

Claim 7

Optical amplifying apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said surface extends at an angle between 5° and 10° to a plane perpendicular to said axis.

Claim 8

Optical amplifying apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said coupling means is a dichroic coupler and wherein said optical energy reflection limiting means comprises a first optical isolator interconnecting said dichroic coupler with said input end of said active fiber and a second optical isolator connected to said output end of said active fiber.

Claim 9

Optical amplifying apparatus for interconnecting an input optical fiber line connected to an optical telecommunication signal station and carrying optical telecommunication signals at a predetermined wavelength with an output optical fiber line and delivering amplified optical telecommunication signals to said output optical fiber line without conversion of the optical telecommunication signals to another form, said apparatus comprising: an active-fiber amplifier having a predetermined amplification gain, said amplifier comprising an active optical fiber with a core doped with a fluorescing substance and with an input end and an output end, a source of optical light pumping energy, and coupling means coupling said source to said input end of said active optical fiber including an optical fiber with optical energy reflection limiting means extending from said source of optical light pumping energy to said coupling means, the last-mentioned said optical fiber having a surface at said source of pumping energy having anti-reflection coatings at said surface, said surface and the attenuation caused by the last-mentioned said optical fiber providing said optical energy reflection limiting means for the last-mentioned said optical fiber; and optical energy reflection limiting means in series with said input end of said active fiber and in series with said output end of said active fiber for limiting energy reflected to said active fiber by optical fibers coupled thereto, the last-mentioned said optical energy reflection limiting means having a reflectivity toward said input end and said output end of said active fiber at least 10 dB lower than the reflectivity of said optical fibers due to Rayleigh scattering at said predetermined wavelength.

Claim 10

Optical amplifying apparatus for interconnecting an input optical fiber line connected to an optical telecommunication signal station and carrying optical telecommunication signals at a predetermined wavelength with an output optical fiber line and delivering amplified optical telecommunication signals to said output optical fiber line without conversion of the optical telecommunication signals to another form, said apparatus comprising: an active-fiber amplifier having a predetermined amplification gain, said amplifier comprising an active optical fiber with a core doped with a fluorescing substance and with an input end and an output end, a source of optical light pumping energy, and coupling means coupling said source to said input end of said active optical fiber including an optical fiber with optical energy reflection limiting means extending from said source of optical light pumping energy to said coupling means, the last-mentioned said optical fiber having a surface at said source of pumping energy having anti-reflection coatings at said surface, said surface and the attenuation caused by the last-mentioned said optical fiber providing said optical energy reflection limiting means for the last-mentioned said optical fiber; and optical energy reflection limiting means in series with said input end of said active fiber and in series with said output end of said active fiber for limiting energy reflected to said active fiber by optical fibers coupled thereto, the last-mentioned said optical energy reflection limiting means having a reflectivity toward said input end and said output end of said active fiber at least 10 dB lower than the reflectivity of said optical fibers due to Rayleigh scattering at said predetermined wavelength.

Claim 11

Optical amplifying apparatus for interconnecting an input optical fiber line connected to an optical telecommunication signal station and carrying optical telecommunication signals at a predetermined wavelength with an output optical fiber line and delivering amplified optical telecommunication signals to said output optical fiber line without conversion of the optical telecommunication signals to another form, said apparatus comprising: an active-fiber amplifier having a predetermined amplification gain, said amplifier comprising an active optical fiber with a core doped with a fluorescing substance and with an input end and an output end, a source of optical light pumping energy, and coupling means coupling said source to said input end of said active optical fiber including an optical fiber with optical energy reflection limiting means extending from said source of optical light pumping energy to said coupling means, the last-mentioned said optical fiber attenuating said telecommunication signals and having a surface at said source of pumping energy which extends at an oblique angle with respect to the optical axis of the last-mentioned said optical fiber, said surface and the attenuation caused by the last-mentioned said optical fiber providing said optical energy reflection limiting means for the last-mentioned said optical fiber; and optical energy reflection limiting means in series with said input end of said active fiber and in series with said output end of said active fiber for limiting energy reflected to said active fiber by optical fibers coupled thereto, the last-mentioned said optical energy reflection limiting means having a reflectivity toward said input end and said output end of said active fiber at least 15 dB lower than the reflectivity of said optical fibers due to Rayleigh scattering at said predetermined wavelength.

Claim 12

Optical amplifying apparatus for interconnecting an input optical fiber line connected to an optical telecommunication signal station and carrying optical telecommunication signals at a predetermined wavelength with an output optical fiber line and delivering amplified optical telecommunication signals to said output optical fiber line without conversion of the optical telecommunication signals to another form, said apparatus comprising: an active-fiber amplifier having a predetermined amplification gain, said amplifier comprising an active optical fiber with a core doped with a fluorescing substance and with an input end and an output end, a source of optical light pumping energy, and coupling means coupling said source to said input end of said active optical fiber including an optical fiber with optical energy reflection limiting means extending from said source of optical light pumping energy to said coupling means, the last-mentioned said optical fiber attenuating said telecommunication signals and having a surface at said source of pumping energy which extends at an oblique angle with respect to the optical axis of the last-mentioned said optical fiber, said surface and the attenuation caused by the last-mentioned said optical fiber providing said optical energy reflection limiting means for the last-mentioned said optical fiber; and optical energy reflection limiting means in series with said input end of said active fiber and in series with said output end of said active fiber for limiting energy reflected to said active fiber by optical fibers coupled thereto, the last-mentioned said optical energy reflection limiting means having a reflectivity toward said input end and said output end of said active fiber at least 15 dB lower than the reflectivity of said optical fibers due to Rayleigh scattering at said predetermined wavelength.

Claim 13

Optical amplifying apparatus for interconnecting an input optical fiber line connected to an optical telecommunication signal station and carrying optical telecommunication signals at a predetermined wavelength with an output optical fiber line and delivering amplified optical telecommunication signals to said output optical fiber line without conversion of the optical telecommunication signals to another form, said apparatus comprising: an active-fiber amplifier having a predetermined amplification gain, said amplifier comprising an active optical fiber with a core doped with a fluorescing substance and with an input end and an output end, a source of optical light pumping energy, and coupling means coupling said source to said input end of said active optical fiber including an optical fiber with optical energy reflection limiting means extending from said source of optical light pumping energy to said coupling means, the last-mentioned said optical fiber attenuating said telecommunication signals and having a surface at said source of pumping energy having antireflection coatings at said surface, said surface and the attenuation caused by the last-mentioned said optical fiber providing said optical energy reflection limiting means for the last-mentioned said optical fiber; and optical energy reflection limiting means in series with said input end of said active fiber and in series with said output end of said active fiber for limiting energy reflected to said active fiber by optical fibers coupled thereto, the last-mentioned said optical energy reflection limiting means having a reflectivity toward said input end and said output end of said active fiber at least 15 dB lower than the reflectivity of said optical fibers due to Rayleigh scattering at said predetermined wavelengths.

Claim 14

Optical amplifying apparatus for interconnecting an input optical fiber line connected to an optical telecommunication signal station and carrying optical telecommunication signals at a predetermined wavelength with an output optical fiber line and delivering amplified optical telecommunication signals to said output optical fiber line without conversion of the optical telecommunication signals to another form, said apparatus comprising: an active-fiber amplifier having a predetermined amplification gain, said amplifier comprising an active optical fiber with a core doped with a fluorescing substance and with an input end and an output end, a source of optical light pumping energy, and coupling means coupling said source to said input end of said active optical fiber including an optical fiber with optical energy reflection limiting means extending from said source of optical light pumping energy to said coupling means, the last-mentioned said optical fiber attenuating said telecommunication signals and having a surface at said source of pumping energy having antireflection coatings at said surface, said surface and the attenuation caused by the last-mentioned said optical fiber providing said optical energy reflection limiting means for the last-mentioned said optical fiber; and optical energy reflection limiting means in series with said input end of said active fiber and in series with said output end of said active fiber for limiting energy reflected to said active fiber by optical fibers coupled thereto, the last-mentioned said optical energy reflection limiting means having a reflectivity toward said input end and said output end of said active fiber at least 15 dB lower than the reflectivity of said optical fibers due to Rayleigh scattering at said predetermined wavelengths.

Claim 15

An optical signal transmission system for transmitting optical signals at a predetermined wavelength from a transmitter to a receiver of such optical signals at a long distance from said transmitter, said system comprising: a transmitter of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; an active fiber amplifier for amplifying signals at said predetermined wavelength having an input and an output and comprising an active fiber of predetermined length connecting said amplifier input and output, said amplifier having a gain greater than 15 dB; a receiver of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; a first optical transmission line fiber having a first line fiber input at one end thereof connected to said transmitter of optical signals and a first line fiber output at the other end thereof; first interconnecting means interconnecting said first line fiber output with said active fiber amplifier at said input of the latter; a second optical transmission line fiber having a second line fiber output at one end thereof connected to said receiver of optical signals and having a second line fiber input at the other end thereof; and second interconnecting means interconnecting said output of said active fiber amplifier with said second line fiber input; at least one of said first optical transmission line fiber and second optical transmission line fiber having a length between the input and output thereof greater than said predetermined length of said active fiber and such that optical signals applied to the input thereof are significantly attenuated in travelling from the input to the output thereof and having a length such that a portion of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength applied to the other end of said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber are reflected back toward said active fiber amplifier, due to Rayleigh scattering, in an amount sufficient to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio at said receiver; the one of said first and second interconnecting means interconnecting said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber with said active fiber comprising a unidirectional optical isolator which substantially prevents optical signals due to Rayleigh scattering from entering said amplifier while transmitting optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; and said active fiber amplifier also comprising a pumping signal source, and a further optical fiber connecting said pumping signal source and said active fiber, said further optical fiber having an energy reflection limiting means; said unidirectional optical isolator and said energy reflection limiting means of said further optical fiber having a reflectivity toward said active fiber at said signal wavelength lower by at least 10 dB than the reflectivity due to Rayleigh scattering in any of said first or second optical transmission line fibers; whereby reflected optical signals, including at least optical signals reflected in said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and in said second optical transmission line fiber and in said further fiber, are substantially prevented from reaching said active fiber.

Claim 16

An optical signal transmission system for transmitting optical signals at a predetermined wavelength from a transmitter to a receiver of such optical signals at a long distance from said transmitter, said system comprising: a transmitter of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; an active fiber amplifier for amplifying signals at said predetermined wavelength having an input and an output and comprising an active fiber of predetermined length connecting said amplifier input and output, said amplifier having a gain greater than 15 dB; a receiver of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; a first optical transmission line fiber having a first line fiber input at one end thereof connected to said transmitter of optical signals and a first line fiber output at the other end thereof; first interconnecting means interconnecting said first line fiber output with said active fiber amplifier at said input of the latter; a second optical transmission line fiber having a second line fiber output at one end thereof connected to said receiver of optical signals and having a second line fiber input at the other end thereof; and second interconnecting means interconnecting said output of said active fiber amplifier with said second line fiber input; at least one of said first optical transmission line fiber and second optical transmission line fiber having a length between the input and output thereof greater than said predetermined length of said active fiber and such that optical signals applied to the input thereof are significantly attenuated in travelling from the input to the output thereof and having a length such that a portion of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength applied to the other end of said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber are reflected back toward said active fiber amplifier, due to Rayleigh scattering, in an amount sufficient to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio at said receiver; the one of said first and second interconnecting means interconnecting said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber with said active fiber comprising a unidirectional optical isolator which substantially prevents optical signals due to Rayleigh scattering from entering said amplifier while transmitting optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; and said active fiber amplifier also comprising a pumping signal source, and a further optical fiber connecting said pumping signal source and said active fiber, said further optical fiber having an energy reflection limiting means; said unidirectional optical isolator and said energy reflection limiting means of said further optical fiber having a reflectivity toward said active fiber at said signal wavelength lower by at least 10 dB than the reflectivity due to Rayleigh scattering in any of said first or second optical transmission line fibers; whereby reflected optical signals, including at least optical signals reflected in said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and in said second optical transmission line fiber and in said further fiber, are substantially prevented from reaching said active fiber.

Claim 17

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claim 9 wherein said transmitter of optical signals is connected to said first line fiber input by a said energy reflection limiting means.

Claim 18

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claim 9 wherein said reflectivity of said unidirectional optical isolator and said energy reflecting limiting means is lower by at least 15 dB than the reflectivity due to Rayleigh scattering.

Claim 19

An optical signal transmission system for transmitting optical signals at a predetermined wavelength from a transmitter to a receiver of such optical signals, at a long distance from said transmitter, said system comprising: a transmitter of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; an active fiber amplifier for amplifying signals at said predetermined wavelength having an input and an output and comprising an active fiber of predetermined length connecting said input and output, said amplifier having a gain greater than 15 dB; a receiver of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; a first optical transmission line fiber having a first line fiber input at one end thereof connected to said transmitter of optical signals and a first line fiber output at the other end thereof; first interconnecting means interconnecting said first line fiber output with said active fiber amplifier at said input of the latter; a second optical transmission line fiber having a second line fiber output at one end thereof connected to said receiver of optical signals and having a second line fiber input at the other end thereof; and second interconnecting means interconnecting said output of said active fiber amplifier with said second line fiber input; at least one of said first optical transmission line fiber and second optical transmission line fiber having a length between the input and output thereof greater than said predetermined length of said active fiber and such that optical signals applied to the input thereof are significantly attenuated in travelling from the input to the output thereof and having a length such that a portion of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength applied to the other end of said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber are reflected back toward said active fiber amplifier, due to Rayleigh scattering in an amount sufficient to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio at said receiver; the one of said first and second interconnecting means interconnecting said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber with said active fiber comprising a unidirectional optical isolator which substantially prevents optical signals due to Rayleigh scattering from entering said amplifier while transmitting optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; and said active fiber amplifier comprising a pumping signal source and a further optical fiber connecting said pumping signal source and said active fiber, said further optical fiber having an energy reflection limiting means; the reflectivities of said optical isolator and said energy reflection limiting means of said further optical fiber at said signal wavelength having an absolute value greater by at least 10 dB than said amplifier gain; whereby reflected optical signals, including at least optical signals reflected in said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber and in said further fiber, are substantially prevented from reaching said active fiber.

Claim 20

An optical signal transmission system for transmitting optical signals at a predetermined wavelength from a transmitter to a receiver of such optical signals, at a long distance from said transmitter, said system comprising: a transmitter of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; an active fiber amplifier for amplifying signals at said predetermined wavelength having an input and an output and comprising an active fiber of predetermined length connecting said input and output, said amplifier having a gain greater than 15 dB; a receiver of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; a first optical transmission line fiber having a first line fiber input at one end thereof connected to said transmitter of optical signals and a first line fiber output at the other end thereof; first interconnecting means interconnecting said first line fiber output with said active fiber amplifier at said input of the latter; a second optical transmission line fiber having a second line fiber output at one end thereof connected to said receiver of optical signals and having a second line fiber input at the other end thereof; and second interconnecting means interconnecting said output of said active fiber amplifier with said second line fiber input; at least one of said first optical transmission line fiber and second optical transmission line fiber having a length between the input and output thereof greater than said predetermined length of said active fiber and such that optical signals applied to the input thereof are significantly attenuated in travelling from the input to the output thereof and having a length such that a portion of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength applied to the other end of said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber are reflected back toward said active fiber amplifier, due to Rayleigh scattering in an amount sufficient to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio at said receiver; the one of said first and second interconnecting means interconnecting said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber with said active fiber comprising a unidirectional optical isolator which substantially prevents optical signals due to Rayleigh scattering from entering said amplifier while transmitting optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; and said active fiber amplifier comprising a pumping signal source and a further optical fiber connecting said pumping signal source and said active fiber, said further optical fiber having an energy reflection limiting means; the reflectivities of said optical isolator and said energy reflection limiting means of said further optical fiber at said signal wavelength having an absolute value greater by at least 10 dB than said amplifier gain; whereby reflected optical signals, including at least optical signals reflected in said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber and in said further fiber, are substantially prevented from reaching said active fiber.

Claim 21

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claim 12 wherein said transmitter of optical signals is connected to said first line fiber input by a said energy reflection limiting means.

Claim 22

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claim 9 wherein said reflectivity of said optical isolator and said energy reflecting limiting means is lower by at least 15 dB than the reflectivity due to Rayleigh scattering.

Claim 23

An optical signal transmission system for transmitting optical signals at a predetermined wavelength from a transmitter to a receiver of such optical signals, at a long distance from said transmitter, said system comprising: a transmitter of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; an active fiber amplifier for amplifying signals at said predetermined wavelength having an input and an output and comprising an active fiber of predetermined length connecting said input and output, said amplifier having a gain greater than 15 dB; a receiver of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; a first optical transmission line fiber having a first line fiber input at one end thereof connected to said transmitter of optical signals and a first line fiber output at the other end thereof; first interconnecting means interconnecting said first line fiber output with said active fiber amplifier at said input of the latter; a second optical transmission line fiber having a second line fiber output at one end thereof connected to said receiver of optical signals and having a second line fiber input at the other end thereof; and second interconnecting means interconnecting said output of said active fiber amplifier with said second line fiber input; at least one of said first optical transmission line fiber and second optical transmission line fiber having a length between the input and output thereof greater than said predetermined length of said active fiber and such that optical signals applied to the input thereof are significantly attenuated in travelling from the input to the output thereof and having a length such that a portion of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength applied to the other end of said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber are reflected back toward said active fiber amplifier, due to Rayleigh scattering, in an amount sufficient to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio at said receiver; the one of said first and second interconnecting means interconnecting said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber with said active fiber comprising a unidirectional optical isolator which substantially prevents optical signals due to Rayleigh scattering from entering said amplifier while transmitting optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; and said active fiber amplifier comprising a pumping signal source, a further optical fiber connecting said pumping signal source and said active fiber, and an energy reflection limiting means interposed between said pumping signal source and said active fiber; the reflectivities of said optical isolator and said energy reflection limiting means of said further optical fiber at said signal wavelength having an absolute value greater by at least 10 dB than said amplifier gain; whereby reflected optical signals, including at least optical signals reflected in said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber and in said further fiber, are substantially prevented from reaching said active fiber.

Claim 24

An optical signal transmission system for transmitting optical signals at a predetermined wavelength from a transmitter to a receiver of such optical signals, at a long distance from said transmitter, said system comprising: a transmitter of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; an active fiber amplifier for amplifying signals at said predetermined wavelength having an input and an output and comprising an active fiber of predetermined length connecting said input and output, said amplifier having a gain greater than 15 dB; a receiver of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; a first optical transmission line fiber having a first line fiber input at one end thereof connected to said transmitter of optical signals and a first line fiber output at the other end thereof; first interconnecting means interconnecting said first line fiber output with said active fiber amplifier at said input of the latter; a second optical transmission line fiber having a second line fiber output at one end thereof connected to said receiver of optical signals and having a second line fiber input at the other end thereof; and second interconnecting means interconnecting said output of said active fiber amplifier with said second line fiber input; at least one of said first optical transmission line fiber and second optical transmission line fiber having a length between the input and output thereof greater than said predetermined length of said active fiber and such that optical signals applied to the input thereof are significantly attenuated in travelling from the input to the output thereof and having a length such that a portion of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength applied to the other end of said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber are reflected back toward said active fiber amplifier, due to Rayleigh scattering, in an amount sufficient to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio at said receiver; the one of said first and second interconnecting means interconnecting said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber with said active fiber comprising a unidirectional optical isolator which substantially prevents optical signals due to Rayleigh scattering from entering said amplifier while transmitting optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; and said active fiber amplifier comprising a pumping signal source, a further optical fiber connecting said pumping signal source and said active fiber, and an energy reflection limiting means interposed between said pumping signal source and said active fiber; the reflectivities of said optical isolator and said energy reflection limiting means of said further optical fiber at said signal wavelength having an absolute value greater by at least 10 dB than said amplifier gain; whereby reflected optical signals, including at least optical signals reflected in said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber and in said further fiber, are substantially prevented from reaching said active fiber.

Claim 25

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claim 15 wherein said energy reflection limiting means is interposed between said further optical fiber and said active fiber.

Claim 26

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claim 15 wherein said energy reflection limiting means is interposed between said pumping signal source and said further optical fiber.

Claim 27

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claim 15 wherein said absolute value is higher than said amplification gain by at least 15 dB.

Claim 28

An optical signal transmission system for transmitting optical signals at a predetermined wavelength from a transmitter to a receiver of such optical signals at a long distance from said transmitter, said system comprising: a transmitter of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; an active fiber amplifier for amplifying signals at said predetermined wavelength having an input and an output and comprising an active fiber of predetermined length connecting said amplifier input and output, said amplifier having a gain greater than 15 dB; a receiver of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; a first optical transmission line fiber having a first line fiber input at one end thereof connected to said transmitter of optical signals and a first line fiber output at the other end thereof; first interconnecting means interconnecting said first line fiber output with said active fiber amplifier at said input of the latter; a second optical transmission line fiber having a second line fiber output at one end thereof connected to said receiver of optical signals and having a second line fiber input at the other end thereof; and second interconnecting means interconnecting said output of said active fiber amplifier with said second line fiber input; at least one of said first optical transmission line fiber and second optical transmission line fiber having a length between the input and output thereof greater than said predetermined length of said active fiber and such that optical signals applied to the input thereof are significantly attenuated in travelling from the input to the output thereof and having a length such that a portion of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength applied to the other end of said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber are reflected back toward said active fiber amplifier, due to Rayleigh scattering, in an amount sufficient to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio at said receiver; the one of said first and second interconnecting means interconnecting said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber with said active fiber comprising a unidirectional optical isolator which substantially prevents optical signals due to Rayleigh scattering from entering said amplifier while transmitting optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; and said active fiber amplifier also comprising a pumping signal source, a further optical fiber connecting said pumping signal source and said active fiber and an energy reflection limiting means interposed between said pumping signal source and said active fiber; said unidirectional optical isolator and said energy reflection limiting means of said further optical fiber having a reflectivity toward said active fiber at said signal wavelength lower by at least 10 dB than the reflectivity due to Rayleigh scattering in any of said first or second optical transmission line fibers; whereby reflected optical signals, including at least optical signals reflected in said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and in said second optical transmission line fiber and in said further fiber, are substantially prevented from reaching said active fiber.

Claim 29

An optical signal transmission system for transmitting optical signals at a predetermined wavelength from a transmitter to a receiver of such optical signals at a long distance from said transmitter, said system comprising: a transmitter of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; an active fiber amplifier for amplifying signals at said predetermined wavelength having an input and an output and comprising an active fiber of predetermined length connecting said amplifier input and output, said amplifier having a gain greater than 15 dB; a receiver of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; a first optical transmission line fiber having a first line fiber input at one end thereof connected to said transmitter of optical signals and a first line fiber output at the other end thereof; first interconnecting means interconnecting said first line fiber output with said active fiber amplifier at said input of the latter; a second optical transmission line fiber having a second line fiber output at one end thereof connected to said receiver of optical signals and having a second line fiber input at the other end thereof; and second interconnecting means interconnecting said output of said active fiber amplifier with said second line fiber input; at least one of said first optical transmission line fiber and second optical transmission line fiber having a length between the input and output thereof greater than said predetermined length of said active fiber and such that optical signals applied to the input thereof are significantly attenuated in travelling from the input to the output thereof and having a length such that a portion of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength applied to the other end of said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber are reflected back toward said active fiber amplifier, due to Rayleigh scattering, in an amount sufficient to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio at said receiver; the one of said first and second interconnecting means interconnecting said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and said second optical transmission line fiber with said active fiber comprising a unidirectional optical isolator which substantially prevents optical signals due to Rayleigh scattering from entering said amplifier while transmitting optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; and said active fiber amplifier also comprising a pumping signal source, a further optical fiber connecting said pumping signal source and said active fiber and an energy reflection limiting means interposed between said pumping signal source and said active fiber; said unidirectional optical isolator and said energy reflection limiting means of said further optical fiber having a reflectivity toward said active fiber at said signal wavelength lower by at least 10 dB than the reflectivity due to Rayleigh scattering in any of said first or second optical transmission line fibers; whereby reflected optical signals, including at least optical signals reflected in said one of said first optical transmission line fiber and in said second optical transmission line fiber and in said further fiber, are substantially prevented from reaching said active fiber.

Claim 30

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claim 19 wherein said energy reflection limiting means is interposed between said further optical fiber and said active fiber.

Claim 31

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claim 19 wherein said energy reflection limiting means is interposed between said pumping signal source and said further optical fiber.

Claim 32

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claim 19 wherein said reflectivity of said unidirectional optical isolator and said energy reflecting limiting means is lower by at least 15 dB than the reflectivity due to Rayleigh scattering.

Claim 33

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claim 19 wherein said unidirectional optical isolator is a polarization control optical isolator.

Claim 34

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claim 23 wherein said polarization control optical isolator is insensitive to the polarization of the optical signal transmitted by said transmitter.

Claim 35

An optical signal transmission system for transmitting optical signals at a predetermined wavelength from a transmitter to a receiver of such optical signals, at a long distance from said transmitter, said system comprising: a transmitter of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; an active fiber amplifier for amplifying signals at said predetermined wavelength having an input and an output and comprising an active fiber of a predetermined length connecting said input and output, said amplifier having a gain greater than 15 dB; a first optical transmission line fiber, having a first line fiber input connected to said transmitter of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength and a first line fiber output, said first optical transmission line fiber having a length between its input and output greater than said predetermined length of said active fiber and such that optical signals at said predetermined wavelength applied to said first line fiber input are significantly attenuated in travelling from said first line fiber input to said first line fiber output and having a length such that a portion optical signals applied to said first line fiber output are reflected back toward said first line fiber output, due to Rayleigh scattering, in an amount sufficient to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio at said receiver; a receiver of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; a second optical transmission line fiber having a second line fiber input and a second line fiber output connected to said receiver of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength, said second optical transmission line fiber having a length greater than said predetermined length of said active fiber and such that a portion of optical signals applied to said second line fiber input are reflected back toward said second line fiber input, due to Rayleigh scattering, in an amount sufficient to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio at said receiver; first connecting means interconnecting said first line fiber output with said input of said active fiber amplifier and comprising a first optical isolator optically connected to said first line fiber output and to said input of said active fiber amplifier for supplying optical signals at said first line fiber output to said input of said active fiber amplifier, said first optical isolator being unidirectional for transmitting optical signals substantially only from said first line fiber output to said input of said active fiber amplifier, and said first interconnecting means having a reflectivity lower by at least 10 dB than the reflectivity to Rayleigh scattering of said first optical transmission line fiber; second interconnecting means interconnecting said output of said active fiber amplifier with said second line fiber input, comprising a second optical isolator optically connected to said output of said active fiber amplifier and to said second line fiber input; for supplying optical signals at said output of said active fiber amplifier to said second line fiber input, said second optical isolator being unidirectional for transmitting optical signals substantially only from said output of said active fiber amplifier to said second line fiber input, and said second interconnecting means having a reflectivity lower by at least 10 dB than the reflectivity due to Rayleigh scattering of said second optical transmission line fiber; and said active fiber amplifier also comprising a pumping signal source, and a further optical fiber connecting said pumping signal source and said active fiber, said further optical fiber having an energy reflection limiting means having a reflectivity toward said active fiber at said signal wavelength lower by at least 10 dB than reflectivity due to Rayleigh scattering in any of said first or second optical transmission line fiber; whereby reflected optical signals, including optical signals reflected in said first optical transmission line fiber, in said second optical transmission line fiber and in said further fiber, are substantially prevented from reaching said active fiber.

Claim 36

An optical signal transmission system for transmitting optical signals at a predetermined wavelength from a transmitter to a receiver of such optical signals, at a long distance from said transmitter, said system comprising: a transmitter of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; an active fiber amplifier for amplifying signals at said predetermined wavelength having an input and an output and comprising an active fiber of a predetermined length connecting said input and output, said amplifier having a gain greater than 15 dB; a first optical transmission line fiber, having a first line fiber input connected to said transmitter of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength and a first line fiber output, said first optical transmission line fiber having a length between its input and output greater than said predetermined length of said active fiber and such that optical signals at said predetermined wavelength applied to said first line fiber input are significantly attenuated in travelling from said first line fiber input to said first line fiber output and having a length such that a portion optical signals applied to said first line fiber output are reflected back toward said first line fiber output, due to Rayleigh scattering, in an amount sufficient to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio at said receiver; a receiver of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; a second optical transmission line fiber having a second line fiber input and a second line fiber output connected to said receiver of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength, said second optical transmission line fiber having a length greater than said predetermined length of said active fiber and such that a portion of optical signals applied to said second line fiber input are reflected back toward said second line fiber input, due to Rayleigh scattering, in an amount sufficient to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio at said receiver; first connecting means interconnecting said first line fiber output with said input of said active fiber amplifier and comprising a first optical isolator optically connected to said first line fiber output and to said input of said active fiber amplifier for supplying optical signals at said first line fiber output to said input of said active fiber amplifier, said first optical isolator being unidirectional for transmitting optical signals substantially only from said first line fiber output to said input of said active fiber amplifier, and said first interconnecting means having a reflectivity lower by at least 10 dB than the reflectivity to Rayleigh scattering of said first optical transmission line fiber; second interconnecting means interconnecting said output of said active fiber amplifier with said second line fiber input, comprising a second optical isolator optically connected to said output of said active fiber amplifier and to said second line fiber input; for supplying optical signals at said output of said active fiber amplifier to said second line fiber input, said second optical isolator being unidirectional for transmitting optical signals substantially only from said output of said active fiber amplifier to said second line fiber input, and said second interconnecting means having a reflectivity lower by at least 10 dB than the reflectivity due to Rayleigh scattering of said second optical transmission line fiber; and said active fiber amplifier also comprising a pumping signal source, and a further optical fiber connecting said pumping signal source and said active fiber, said further optical fiber having an energy reflection limiting means having a reflectivity toward said active fiber at said signal wavelength lower by at least 10 dB than reflectivity due to Rayleigh scattering in any of said first or second optical transmission line fiber; whereby reflected optical signals, including optical signals reflected in said first optical transmission line fiber, in said second optical transmission line fiber and in said further fiber, are substantially prevented from reaching said active fiber.

Claim 37

An optical signal transmission system for transmitting optical signals at a predetermined wavelength from a transmitter to a receiver of such optical signals, at a long distance from said transmitter, said system comprising: a transmitter of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; an active fiber amplifier for amplifying signals at said predetermined wavelength having an input and an output and comprising an active fiber of predetermined length connecting said input and output, said amplifier having a gain greater that 15 dB; a first optical transmission line fiber having a first line fiber input connected to said transmitter of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength and a first line fiber output, said first optical transmission line fiber having a length between its input and output greater than said predetermined length of said active fiber and such that optical signals at said predetermined wavelength applied to said first line fiber input are significantly attenuated in travelling from said first line fiber input to said first line fiber output and having a length such that a portion of optical signals applied to said first line fiber output are reflected back toward said first line fiber output, due to Rayleigh scattering, in an amount sufficient to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio at said receiver; a receiver of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; a second optical transmission line fiber having a second line fiber input and a second line fiber output connected to said receiver of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength, said second optical transmission line fiber having a length greater than said predetermined length of said active fiber and such that a portion of optical signals applied to said second line fiber input are reflected back toward said second line fiber input, due to Rayleigh scattering in an amount sufficient to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio at said receiver; first interconnecting means interconnecting said first line fiber output with said input of said active fiber amplifier and comprising a first optical isolator optically connected to said first line fiber output and to said input of said active fiber amplifier for supplying optical signals at said first line fiber output to said input of said active fiber amplifier, said first optical isolator being unidirectional for transmitting optical signals substantially only from said first line fiber output to said input of said active fiber amplifier; second interconnecting means interconnecting said output of said active fiber amplifier with said second line fiber input and comprising a second optical isolator optically connected to said output of said active fiber amplifier and to said second line fiber input, for supplying optical signals at said output of said active fiber amplifier to said second line fiber input, said second optical isolator being unidirectional for transmitting optical signals substantially only from said output of said active fiber amplifier to said second line fiber input; and said active fiber amplifier also comprising a pumping signal source, and a further optical fiber connecting said pumping signal source and said active fiber, said further optical fiber having an energy reflection limiting means; the reflectivities of said first optical isolator, said second optical isolator and said energy reflection limiting means toward said active fiber at said signal wavelength having an absolute value greater by at least 10 dB than said amplifier gain; whereby reflected optical signals, including optical signals reflected in said first optical transmission line fiber, in said second optical transmission line fiber and in said further fiber, are substantially prevented from reaching said active fiber.

Claim 38

An optical signal transmission system for transmitting optical signals at a predetermined wavelength from a transmitter to a receiver of such optical signals, at a long distance from said transmitter, said system comprising: a transmitter of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; an active fiber amplifier for amplifying signals at said predetermined wavelength having an input and an output and comprising an active fiber of predetermined length connecting said input and output, said amplifier having a gain greater that 15 dB; a first optical transmission line fiber having a first line fiber input connected to said transmitter of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength and a first line fiber output, said first optical transmission line fiber having a length between its input and output greater than said predetermined length of said active fiber and such that optical signals at said predetermined wavelength applied to said first line fiber input are significantly attenuated in travelling from said first line fiber input to said first line fiber output and having a length such that a portion of optical signals applied to said first line fiber output are reflected back toward said first line fiber output, due to Rayleigh scattering, in an amount sufficient to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio at said receiver; a receiver of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength; a second optical transmission line fiber having a second line fiber input and a second line fiber output connected to said receiver of optical signals at said predetermined wavelength, said second optical transmission line fiber having a length greater than said predetermined length of said active fiber and such that a portion of optical signals applied to said second line fiber input are reflected back toward said second line fiber input, due to Rayleigh scattering in an amount sufficient to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio at said receiver; first interconnecting means interconnecting said first line fiber output with said input of said active fiber amplifier and comprising a first optical isolator optically connected to said first line fiber output and to said input of said active fiber amplifier for supplying optical signals at said first line fiber output to said input of said active fiber amplifier, said first optical isolator being unidirectional for transmitting optical signals substantially only from said first line fiber output to said input of said active fiber amplifier; second interconnecting means interconnecting said output of said active fiber amplifier with said second line fiber input and comprising a second optical isolator optically connected to said output of said active fiber amplifier and to said second line fiber input, for supplying optical signals at said output of said active fiber amplifier to said second line fiber input, said second optical isolator being unidirectional for transmitting optical signals substantially only from said output of said active fiber amplifier to said second line fiber input; and said active fiber amplifier also comprising a pumping signal source, and a further optical fiber connecting said pumping signal source and said active fiber, said further optical fiber having an energy reflection limiting means; the reflectivities of said first optical isolator, said second optical isolator and said energy reflection limiting means toward said active fiber at said signal wavelength having an absolute value greater by at least 10 dB than said amplifier gain; whereby reflected optical signals, including optical signals reflected in said first optical transmission line fiber, in said second optical transmission line fiber and in said further fiber, are substantially prevented from reaching said active fiber.

Claim 39

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claims 25 or 26 wherein said first optical isolator and said second optical isolator are polarization control isolators.

Claim 40

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claim 25 or 26 wherein said first interconnecting means further comprises a dichroic coupler having two inputs and an output, one of said inputs of said dichroic coupler being connected to said first line fiber output, said output of said dichroic coupler being connected to said first optical isolator and the other of said inputs of said dichroic coupler being connector said further optical fiber.

Claim 41

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claim 11 wherein each said optical isolator is insensitive to the polarization of said optical signals.

Claim 42

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claim 25 wherein said reflectivities of said reflection limiting means, said first optical isolator, and said second optical isolator is 15 dB lower than said reflectivity due to Rayleigh scattering.

Claim 43

An optical signal transmission system as set forth in claim 14 wherein said absolute value is higher than said amplification gain by at least 15 dB.