Abstract

The rapid development occurred in the last years in the field of Optical Amplifiers (OAs) urged soon a proper standardisation. In particular, since the beginning, it was recognised that a consistent development of norms concerning both OAs and their applications (particularly regarding transmission systems) represents a key condition for a rational evolution of telecommunication networks employing this new component. In this respect OA standardisation activities, started in the proper National and International Committees more than four years ago, were and are still pushed by two basic motivations. The first one rises from the need to establish the requirements necessary to guarantee uniform functional characteristics of the different components, thus ensuring their compatibility in the various assemblages. The second one comes from the need to specify those aspects ensuring a proper integration of OAs in the telecommunication networks.

© 1995 Optical Society of America