Active-fiber optical amplifier connected to optical fiber lines or a telecommunication signal source through energy reflection limiting means, such as optical isolators, for limiting the reflected energy, due to Rayleigh scattering, which reaches the active fiber, to permit increased amplifier gain. The input of the active fiber is connected to a dichroic coupler which is also connected to a pumping energy source by an optical fiber having a bevelled end surface or an antireflection coating at the energy source end to limit reflection of energy to the active fiber. Also, a telecommunication system including one or more of such protected amplifiers.