An optical amplifier (100) with integrated optical waveguide, pump source and other, optional components for amplifying an input optical signal coupled from a fiber optic. The amplifier includes a housing (160) having these components mounted therein, and appropriate optics (120, 130, 150) for coupling the input and output optical signals to and from the appropriate ports, and for carrying an optical pump signal from its source (140) to the waveguide. The optical waveguide disclosed is a channel waveguide amplification chip (110), having a relatively small size; and the pump source disclosed is a laser diode capable of generating the optical pump signal internal to the housing with only electrical (e.g., power) signals applied thereto from outside of the housing. Other optional components may be provided for cooperative optical processing in the amplifier housing such as isolators, gain flattening filters, and optical taps for monitoring. The disclosed optical amplifier offers size and cost advantages over other known systems.