An doped fiber optical amplifier featuring an optical component having
first wavelength division multiplexer, an isolator and a second
wavelength division multiplexer is described. The isolator supports the
propagation of optical signals within a predetermined signal wavelength
range in one direction. Pump signals having a wavelength within a pump
wavelength range are diverted by the wavelength division multiplexers to
inhibit coupling of the pump signals with the isolator. The optical
amplifier supports the use of relatively high-powered optical pump
lasers. The optical component is optically disposed between different
lengths of doped fiber and serves to reduce optical noise within the
amplifier.