A Raman amplifier having at least a first and a second optical
Raman-active fiber disposed in series with each other is disclosed. A
first pump source is connected to the first Raman-active fiber, and is
adapted for emitting and coupling into the first Raman-active fiber a
first pump radiation including a first group of frequencies. A second
pump source is connected to the second Raman-active fiber, and is adapted
for emitting and coupling into the second Raman-active fiber a second
pump radiation including a second group of frequencies. The whole of the
first and second group of frequencies extends over a pump frequency range
having a width of at least 40% of the Raman shift. The minimum and the
maximum frequency in each of the first and second group of frequencies
differ from each other by at most 70% of the Raman shift.