A multi-fiber ribbon-coupled multi-channel, optical amplifier architecture has a very compact form factor that facilitates one-for-one alignment with and coupling to each optical fiber of a multi-fiber ribbon. A dual substrate structure contains a first substrate having a signal transport core laminated with a second substrate having an associated pumping energy-receiving, pseudo-cladding layer. This use of separate substrates prevents dopant material of the signal transport core from intruding into the pseudo-cladding material. The bulk layers are polished and laminated so that the signal transport core is in intimate face-to-face abutment with the pseudo-cladding layer. The back side of the bulk containing the pseudo-cladding material is lapped and polished to expose pseudo-cladding material, and provide a generally planar surface that facilitates coupling of the pseudo-cladding layer (and its abutting core) with a pumping energy source.