Extended dynamic range optical amplifier

A method of operating an extended dynamic range optical amplifier, comprising:

• selecting a mode of operation for the extended dynamic range optical amplifier comprising one of a low gain mode and a high gain mode;
• responsive to selecting the low gain mode, selectively omitting a second gain stage in the extended dynamic range optical amplifier and amplifying an input signal with a first gain stage and a third gain stage;
• and
• responsive to selecting the high gain mode, selectively including the second gain stage between the first gain stage and the second gain stage and amplifying the input signal with each of the first gain stage, the second gain stage, and the third gain stage.

A line amplifier configuration, comprising:

• an extended dynamic range optical amplifier supporting a first fiber and a second fiber, wherein, for each of the first fiber and the second fiber, the extended dynamic range optical amplifier comprises:
• a first gain stage configured to receive an input signal;
• a first optical switch configured to receive an output of the first gain stage and to switch the output of the first gain stage to one of a first output and a second output;
• a second gain stage connected to the first output and configured to receive the output of the first gain stage based on a configuration of the first optical switch;
• a second optical switch comprising a first input connected to an output of the second gain stage and a second input connected to the second output of the first optical switch, wherein the second optical switch is configured to provide a single output;
• and
• a third gain stage configured to receive the single output from the second optical switch;
• wherein the extended dynamic range optical amplifier is configured to selectively operate in one of a low gain mode and a high gain mode for each of the first fiber and the second fiber.