Method And System For Improved Eye Protection Safety Of High Output Power Lumped Optical Amplifiers

In an optical communication system, a lumped optical amplifier for enhancing eye-protection during amplifier operation, comprising:

• a. a gain stage for amplifying an optical WDM transmission signal within a predetermined wavelength band to create an amplified signal that exits the amplifier output port into an optical communication network span, wherein the amplified signal produces Raman amplified spontaneous scattering (ASS) directed back into the amplifier from the span;
• b. an out-of-band Raman ASS monitoring unit for continuously measuring an out-of-band power level of the Raman ASS entering the amplifier from the span;
• c. an amplified signal monitoring unit for continuously measuring a power level of the amplified signal;
• and
• d. a control unit for reducing the power of the amplified signal or for shutting down the gain stage in response to determination of an opening in the span based on real-time detection of a change in the out-of-band Raman ASS power level and verification that this change is not associated with a change in the amplified signal level.

In an optical communication system, a method for enhancing eye-protection during a lumped optical amplifier operation in a communication system, comprising the steps of:

• a. in the lumped optical amplifier, amplifying an input signal of a predetermined wavelength band into an amplified signal transmitted through an output port of the amplifier to a communication network span;
• b. continuously monitoring an out-of-band power level of Raman ASS created by the amplified signal within the communication network span;
• c. detecting in real-time when a change in the out-of-band Raman ASS power level signifies an open span;
• and
• d. responsive to a result of the detecting, reducing the power of the amplified signal or shutting down a gain stage of the amplifier, thereby obtaining enhanced eye-safety.

In an optical communication system, a method for enhancing eye-protection during a lumped optical amplifier operation in a communication system, comprising the steps of:

• a. in the lumped optical amplifier, obtaining an out-of-band Raman ASS power level related to an amplified signal transmitted through an output port of the amplifier to a communication network span;
• b. monitoring the power level of the amplified signal and the out-of-band Raman ASS created by the amplified signal;
• c. determining whether the Raman ASS power level has decreased by more than a value P1 during a preceding time period T1, and if yes;
• d. determining whether the amplified signal level has changed by more than a value P2 during a preceding time period T2, and if no;
• and
• e. performing an action to ensure that no safety hazard is caused due to an open span in the span connected to the output port of the amplifier.