What is the function of an optical amplifier in a fiber optic system?

In a fiber optic system, an optical amplifier serves the crucial role of boosting signal strength, especially over long distances. As data travels through optical fibers, it can experience attenuation, which means the signal weakens as it travels. This weakening can limit the effective range of data transmission.

Optical amplifiers, such as erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), are used in these systems to amplify the light signal without converting it to another medium, which allows for seamless transmission over extensive networks without the need for converting signals back and forth. By enhancing the optical signal strength, these amplifiers ensure that data can maintain quality and integrity even as it travels further, thereby facilitating more extensive and efficient communication networks.

The other options, while related to fiber optic systems, do not represent the primary function of an optical amplifier. Connecting multiple fibers or patching connections pertains to the physical arrangement of fibers rather than signal enhancement. Converting signals from fiber to copper involves changing the medium of signal transmission, which is not the purpose of an optical amplifier.