A system for processing an optical signal into a plurality of optical output signals includes a laser for generating an optical signal along an optical signal path. An optical splitter receives the optical signal and includes an input optical fiber and a stepped, optical splitter circuit formed from a plurality of laser ion doped optical waveguides branching into a plurality of output optical signals. An optical pump source pumps an optical pump signal through the stepped, optical splitter circuit and excites the erbium to distribute gain throughout the optical splitter.