The present invention relates to an optical amplifier (TDFA) or the like
comprising a structure for constantly keeping the power of outputted
signal light and gain flatness even when the power or number of channels
of input signal light fluctuates.In this optical amplifier, the pumping
light outputted from each pumping light source is forwardly or backwardly
supplied to an optical amplification fiber. The signal light inputted
from an input port is amplified by the optical amplification fiber, and
thus amplified light is outputted from an output port. An optical
add/drop coupler causes a part of the light outputted from the optical
amplification fiber to branch out, whereby its power is monitored by an
output light monitor system at two or more wavelengths. According to thus
obtained results of monitoring, a controller adjusts the pumping light
outputted from each pumping light source.