The present invention relates to an optical module that has a structure
for protecting a pumping light source at a low cost. The optical module
comprises an amplification optical fiber, an optical coupler, a pumping
light source, a delay optical fiber, a seed light source, an optical
fiber, a photodetector, an optical fiber, an optical isolator, an optical
isolator, and a control section. Through the insertion of the delay
optical fiber between the pumping light source and the optical coupler,
the timing of the output control of the pumping light source which is
carried out after the photodetector detects return light leads the timing
with which the return light enters the pumping light source. Hence, the
time with which the return light enters the pumping light source is
shortened and the accumulative damage time of the pumping light source is
reduced.