Abstract

The use of fiber-based optical amplifiers is rapidly evolving, and commercial applications are likely soon—a result of fiber compatibility, high gain, low noise, and relative ease of assembly. Reviews of this field already exist,^1–3 and because of the volume of new results, the material presented here will focus on contributions in 1990. Both Raman- and erbium-based amplifiers continue to be important components for system research, with erbium-based amplifiers receiving the greater attention.

© 1991 Optical Society of America