All-optical signal processing for optical packet switching networks

Y. Liu; M. T. Hill; N. Calabretta; E. Tangdiongga; R. Geldenhuys; S. Zhang; Z. Li; H. De Waardt; G. D. Khoe; H. J. S. Dorren

doi:10.1117/12.621346

15 September 2005 All-optical signal processing for optical packet switching networks

Y. Liu, M. T. Hill, N. Calabretta, E. Tangdiongga, R. Geldenhuys, S. Zhang, Z. Li, H. De Waardt, G. D. Khoe, H. J. S. Dorren

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5907, Photonic Devices and Algorithms for Computing VII; 59070J (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.621346
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We discuss how all-optical signal processing might play a role in future all-optical packet switched networks. We introduce a concept of optical packet switches that employ entirely all-optical signal processing technology. The optical packet switch is made out of three functional blocks: the optical header processing block, the optical memory block and the wavelength conversion block. The operation principle of the optical packet switch is explained. We show that these three functional blocks can be realized by using the nonlinearities of semiconductor optical amplifiers. Some technologies in these three functional blocks are described. The header processor is realized using a Terahertz Optical Asymmetric Demultiplexer. We also describe a header pre-processor to improve the extinction ratio of the header processor output. In the optical memory block, we show that an all-optical memory can be obtained by using two coupled lasers that form a master-slave configuration. The state of the optical memory is distinguished by the wavelength of the master laser. We extend the concept to an optical memory can have multiple states. In the wavelength conversion block, we demonstrate a 160 Gbit/s wavelength conversion using a single semiconductor optical amplifier in combination with a well-designed optical bandpass filter. The semiconductor optical amplifier has a gain recovery time greater than 90 ps, which corresponds to a less than 20 GHz bandwidth for conventional wavelength conversion. We show that by properly using the optical bandpass filter, ultrafast dynamics in the semiconductor optical amplifier can be employed for wavelength conversion at ultrahigh bit-rates.

Citation Download Citation

Y. Liu, M. T. Hill, N. Calabretta, E. Tangdiongga, R. Geldenhuys, S. Zhang, Z. Li, H. De Waardt, G. D. Khoe, and H. J. S. Dorren "All-optical signal processing for optical packet switching networks", Proc. SPIE 5907, Photonic Devices and Algorithms for Computing VII, 59070J (15 September 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.621346

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