This part of IEC 61291 provides a performance specification template applicable to optical amplifiers (OAs) used in single channel applications. Multichannel applications are covered in IEC 61291‑4.

The objective of this template is to provide a framework for the preparation of performance standards and/or product specifications defining the performance of OA devices used in single channel applications. In addition to the requirements specified in this template, a performance standard or product specification could include other parameters, such as ratings, operating conditions, tests, and pass/fail criteria.

For a particular application, product specification writers could add specification parameters and/or groups of specification parameters to this template, without removing the parameters specified in this document.