Optical amplifier apparatus and method

An optical amplifier ( 200 ) splits an optical signal into two signals ( 210, 212 ). A first amplifier section ( 202 ) receives the first signal ( 210 ). The first amplifier section ( 202 ) includes a first optical fiber ( 220 ), having a first input, for generating a first output power ( 230 ), and a first pump source ( 222 ) is coupled to the first input, for supplying a first energy amount to the first optical fiber ( 220 ). The optical amplifier ( 200 ) also includes a second amplifier section ( 204 ) to receive the second signal ( 212 ), which is arranged in parallel to, and under common control with, the first amplifier section ( 202 ). The second amplifier section ( 204 ) includes a second optical fiber ( 240 ), having a second input, for generating a second output power ( 250 ), and a second pump source ( 232 ) is coupled to the second input, for supplying a second energy amount to the second optical fiber ( 240 ). A total power ( 280 ) of the first output power ( 230 ) and the second output power ( 250 ) is at least about 600 mill Watts.