An optical amplifier controlling method and optical amplifier system which are simple in composition, maintain the S/N ratio of an optical signal output, have high control responsiveness, suppress the generation of a light surge, and amplify the optical signal, and a system using the method and amplifier system. The optical amplifier system includes an optical amplifier unit which is supplied with energy by pumping light and amplifies with the supplied energy an optical signal inputted to the amplifier unit. The optical amplifier system includes a gain control unit for controlling the gain of the amplifier system depending on the strength of the optical signal inputted to the amplifier system such that the amplifier has a maximum gain at a predetermined value of the strength of the optical signal inputted in the optical amplifier system and an area of a positive gain of not more than the maximum gain for a strength of the optical signal of not more than the predetermined value.