Fiber Amplifier Having Dual Output Laser Diode

A method used with signal light having a signal wavelength, the method comprising:

• passing the signal light through at least two doped fibers disposed on an optical path, a first of the at least two doped fibers disposed on the optical path and being doped with a first active dopant, a second of the at least two doped fibers disposed on the optical path and being doped with a second active dopant;
• injecting an electrical drive signal into an active section of a dual output laser diode, the active section positioned between first and second end facets of the dual output laser diode;
• generating first and second pump light that propagates respectively toward the first and second end facets in response to the injection of the electrical drive signal into the active section, the first and second pump light having at least one pump wavelength different from the signal wavelength;
• and
• coupling the first and second pump lights to the optical path through at least one combiner;
• amplifying the signal light by:
• propagating the first pump light from the first end facet relative to the signal light passing through the first doped fiber and interacting the first pump light with the first doped fiber;
• and
• propagating the second pump light from the second end facet relative to the signal light passing through the second doped fiber and interacting the second pump light with the second doped fiber.