Reflective semiconductor optical amplifier for optical networks

A method for amplifying light at different wavelengths in an optical network, the method comprising:

• guiding light at a first and a second wavelength into a first active material;
• wherein the light enters the first active material at a first end of the first active material;
• amplifying the light at the first wavelength using the first active material;
• reflecting the light at the first wavelength at another end of the first active material in a direction toward the first end of the first active material, the reflecting of the light being caused by at least one of an air gap and a Bragg reflector that exists between the first and the second active materials;
• guiding the light at the second wavelength through the first active material into the second active material;
• wherein the light enters the second active material at a first end of the second active material;
• amplifying the light at the second wavelength using the second active material;
• and
• reflecting the light at the second wavelength at another end of the second active material in a direction toward the first end of the first active material.