All-optical RZ-to-NRZ data format conversion using spectral broadening effect in a dispersion-shifted fiber

We propose a simple and efficient approach to obtain all-optical RZ-to-NRZ data format conversion using self-phase modulation (SPM) in a dispersion-shifted fiber. By exploiting SPM induced spectral broadening together with group velocity dispersion in the normal regime, a 10 Gb/s return-to-zero data signal has been converted to the non-return-to-zero format. The proposed scheme can work with different signal bit rates and does not require any external pulse duplicator. The 10 Gb/s bit-error-rate (BER) measurement shows a power penalty of less than 1.5 dB at 10⁻⁹ BER level.     

Investigation of data format conversions based on MZI-SOA

Employing a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI), this paper describes simulation demonstration of an all-optical scheme for data format conversion between non-return-to-zero (NRZ) and return-to-zero (RZ). Data format conversion between NRZ and RZ at 120 Gb/s has been simulated for the first time using an MZI. In addition, we have proposed for the first time data format conversion from NRZ to RZ by using a single SOA in an MZI.     

10 and 20 Gb/s all-optical RZ to NRZ modulation format and wavelength converter based on nonlinear optical loop mirror

We present experimental and theoretical results on all-optical 10 and 20 Gb/s RZ to NRZ modulation format and wavelength converter based on a nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM). A vector model of converter was developed and the shape of converted pulses was found analytically for particular choice of polarization states. In the experiment, non-zero dispersion shifted fiber with a length 1200 m was used as a nonlinear medium. Pulses from a 10 GHz mode-locked semiconductor laser diode were modulated to form pseudorandom RZ signal and eventually time division multiplexed to 20 Gb/s. RZ pulses were subsequently converted to NRZ signal. The performance of the converter was evaluated experimentally using the data communication analyzer and bit error ratio tester.     

A novel optical picosecond-duration NRZ-to-RZ format converter with simultaneous wavelength multicasting using a single-stage Mach–Zehnder modulator

We propose a novel and simple scheme to achieve NRZ-to-RZ format conversion and simultaneous wavelength multicasting based on a single-stage dual-arm electro-optic Mach–Zehnder modulator (MZM) and a short single mode fiber (SMF). The format conversion and wavelength multicast process are achieved by chirp compensation under the condition of generation of optical flat frequency comb. 40 Gb/s NRZ-to-RZ conversion with one-to-five multiple-wavelength channel multicasting and transmission of the NRZ and the converted signals over 200 km dispersion-managed fiber-link are successfully demonstrated by numerical simulation. Research results show that 40 Gb/s 2 ps RZ signal with wavelength-preserving can be obtained after format conversion. The converted RZ signal presents good transmission performance and can easily be multiplexed to 160 Gb/s using optical time division multiplexing (OTDM) technology. All the multicast channels can be error free after 50 km transmission. Besides, the conversion operation can also greatly reduce the timing jitter of the degraded NRZ signal due to the retiming function of the proposed scheme.     

All-optical continuously tunable delay with a high linear-chirp-rate fiber Bragg grating based on four-wave mixing in a highly-nonlinear photonic crystal fiber

A scheme for hi-fi all-optical continuously tunable delay is proposed. The signal wavelength is converted to a desired idler wavelength and converted back after being delayed by a high linear-chirp-rate (HLCR) fiber Bragg grating (FBG) based on four-wave mixing (FWM) in a highly-nonlinear photonic crystal fiber (HN-PCF). In our experiment, 400 ps (more than 8 full width of half maximum, FWHM) tunable delay is achieved for a 10 GHz clock pulse with relative pulse width broaden ratio (RPWBR) of 2.08%. The power penalty is only 0.3 dB at 10⁻⁹ BER for a 10 Gb/s 2³¹−1 pseudo random bit sequence (PRBS) data.     

Simultaneous implementation of all-optical OR and AND logic gates for NRZ/RZ/CSRZ ON-OFF-keying signals

An all-optical scheme for simultaneously realizing OR and AND logic gates based on three-input four-wave mixing (FWM) arising in a single semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) is proposed and demonstrated. It has the ability to process not only conventional non-return-to-zero-ON-OFF-keying (NRZ-OOK) and return-to-zero-OOK (RZ-OOK) formats but also carrier-suppressed return-to-zero-OOK (CSRZ-OOK) format signals. Firstly, the performance of 40 Gb/s logic operation is numerically evaluated by a comprehensive dynamic SOA model considering three input signal induced FWM effect. Then, 10 Gb/s experimental demonstrations with clear waveforms and high extinction ratios (ERs) further verify the logic integrity of this scheme. Thus, the OR and AND logic gates simultaneously achieved within a single logic unit is compact and cost-effective for future optical signal processing applications.     

Simultaneous all-optical multi-channel RZ and CSRZ to NRZ format conversion

We propose and demonstrate multi-channel all-optical return-to-zero (RZ) and carrier-suppressed RZ (CSRZ) to non-return-to-zero (NRZ) format conversions using a same fiber delay-interferometer (DI). The conversions are based on simultaneous constructive interference induced by the periodical comb-like filtering characteristic of the DI. By using a DI with free spectral range of 40 GHz, 8 channel RZ and CSRZ signals at 20 Gb/s can be converted to corresponding NRZ signals at the same time. Furthermore, a duplicate output can be obtained for multi-channel CSRZ input. Bit error ratio measurements show 4 and 3.5 dB penalties for the proposed multi-channel RZ and CSRZ to NRZ conversions respectively. Further transmission for the converted NRZ signals verifies the good performance of the proposed all-passive multi-channel format converter. The potential of multi-channel RZ signals with mixed duty-cycle to NRZ conversions is also investigated.     

All-optical RZ-OOK to RZ-BPSK conversion with multicasting based on XPM in highly nonlinear fiber

We present a detailed investigation of all-optical RZ-OOK to RZ-BPSK modulation format conversion at 10 Gb/s using cross-phase modulation in a length of highly nonlinear fiber. In particular, we examine the impact of the input RZ-OOK signal characteristics, such as duty cycle, average (peak) power, optical signal to noise ratio, and degradation from residual dispersion and differential group delay on the BER performance of the converted RZ-BPSK signal. We also present results on RZ-OOK to RZ-BPSK modulation format conversion with wavelength multicasting.     

All-optical NRZ-OOK-to-RZ-OOK format conversions with tunable duty cycles using nonlinear polarization rotation of a semiconductor optical amplifier

We experimentally demonstrate an all-optical 10 Gb/s format conversion from non-return-to-zero (NRZ) on-off-keying (OOK) to return-to-zero (RZ)-OOK with tunable duty cycle in the whole C-band using nonlinear polarization rotation (NPR) arising in an semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). The experimental results show that, by tuning the polarizer at the SOA output, an RZ signal with tunable duty cycle from 33% to 66% could be obtained with an extinction ratio(ER) over 10 dB. In addition, we show that the NRZ-to-RZ conversion with duty cycle of 33-66% can be obtained with less than 1 dB power penalty at the bit error ratio (BER) of 10⁻⁹. The device can facilitate the cross-connection between optical transmission networks employing different modulation formats.     

160 Gbit/s binary-to-quaternary amplitude shift keying encoding in the optical domain

160?Gbit/s all-optical binary-to-quaternary amplitude shift keying format conversion is carried out in a nonlinear optical fiber. This scheme, which also acts as a 2 bit digital-to-analog convertor, has been confirmed through Q-factor measurements.     

Design of an ultrafast all-optical NOR logic gate based on Mach-Zehnder interferometer using quantum-dot SOA

This paper proposes a design for all-optical NOR logic gate, based on Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) using quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifier (QD-SOA). In this regard, a theoretical model for an ultrafast all-optical signal processor is developed using QD-SOA to achieve high bit rate operation. We have demonstrated the NOR gate operation in two cases of with and without an optical control pulse. Simulations have been carried out at data bit rates 160 Gb/s, 200 Gb/s, and 250 Gb/s for the case that control pulse is not applied, and also at data bit rates 1 Tb/s and 2 Tb/s in presence of control pulse which leads to improvement of gain recovery time and ultrafast NOR logic operation. In addition, quality factors of the output signals in presence and without the control pulse at different bit rates with different bias currents have been investigated for pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS) of word length 2⁸–1.     

An all-optical bit-error indicating scheme based on self-phase modulation and filtering

In this paper, a novel all-optical bit-error indicating scheme is numerically studied. The bit-error indicating function is achieved by two all-optical processing stages. Firstly, the amplified original bit stream propagates through a high-nonlinear fiber and experiences self-phase modulation which causes intensity-dependent spectrum broadening and split. And then, the bit stream output from the high-nonlinear fiber is filtered by a band-pass filter with the same central wavelength as the original bit stream to generate an error bit indicating signal. The error bit indicating signal, in which only the “Error” bits have the highest peak power, is synchronous with the delayed original bit stream. Therefore, the position of the “Error” bits in the original bit stream can be identified by setting only one judge threshold in the error bit indicating signal. The scheme is demonstrated for an 80 Gb/s bit stream with return-to-zero format by simulation. The results show that the scheme can be used for the all-optical bit-error indicating of the super high bit-rate systems using the return-to-zero format which is favored in the optical time division multiplexing transmission systems.     

All-optical generation of 40 Gb/s single sideband signals using a fiber Bragg grating

In this work, we demonstrate a reliable all-optical technique for performing optical double sideband (ODSB) to single sideband (OSSB) format conversion of a 40 Gb/s non-return-to-zero signal. It is based on the optimization of a detuned optical filter, which was implemented on a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) with a complex apodization profile. An OSSB signal with negligible distortion was obtained, as the FBG presented a nearly ideal frequency response. Higher tolerance to chromatic dispersion enabled by the OSSB signal in comparison to the ODSB signal was demonstrated on both simulation and experimental results.     

基于光子晶体光纤中双抽运四波混频效应的非归零到归零码型转换实验研究

提出并实验证实了利用色散平坦高非线性光子晶体光纤中双抽运四波混频效应实现非归零 (NRZ)到归零(RZ)码型转换的新方案, 将一束NRZ信号光与两束同步时钟脉冲光同时注入光子晶体光纤, 通过双抽运四波混频效应产生两个闲频光, 经过光学滤波后即可完成单到双全光NRZ-RZ码型转换. 与基于常规单抽运四波混频效应的码型转换方式相比, 本设计方案由于采用了双抽运四波混频效应, 因此具有双路组播信号波长可彼此独立选取的优点. 分析了码型转换器的波长调谐性及对输入光功率波动的容忍性, 得到转换信号的最优消光比和Q 因子分别为15 dB和5.4. 研究结果表明, 本方案既具有对比特率和调制格式透明的优点, 又避免了使用单抽运四波混频效应进行码型转换时两路组播信号波长相互制约的弊端, 且实现了全光波长转换和波长组播功能. 关键词： 码型转换 四波混频 双抽运 光子晶体光纤     

Differential group delay monitoring using an all-optical signal spectrum-analyser

We demonstrate an all-optical device that monitors differential group delay (DGD) degradation of picosecond optical pulses. This device is based on an ultrafast all-optical signal analyser that uses nonlinear effects (cross-phase modulation) to transfer rapid temporal fluctuations into frequency domain effects that can be measured on an conventional optical spectrum analyser (incorporating a slow-detector). This monitoring scheme will enable rapid dynamic monitoring and compensation of DGD in ultrafast optical networks, at 160 Gb/s data rates and beyond, where electronic monitoring techniques cannot operate. We discuss the required signal polarisation condition.     

Multi-wavelength conversion at 10 Gb/s using cross-phase modulation in highly nonlinear fiber

In this paper we demonstrate a technique of signal wavelength conversion via cross-phase modulation (XPM)-induced nonlinear coupling among a 10 GHz return-to-zero (RZ) signal and a continuous wave (CW) carrier co-propagating in dispersion-shifted (DS) highly nonlinear fiber (HNLF). The wavelength conversion bandwidth up to ±20 nm was achieved experimentally and potential extension was verified by numerical simulations. The principle can easily be extended to 40 Gb/s and used as polarization insensitive all-optical wavelength converter.     

基于半导体光放大器四波混频效应的多种调制格式的波长转换实验

实验报道了利用半导体光放大器(SOA)的四波混频(FWM)效应实现多种码型的波长转换.其中对于非归零(NRZ)信号实现了从单信道到三信道的多波长转换.调制速率从10 Gb/s到40 Gb/s均实现多波长转换.对于归零(RZ)信号分别实现了20 Gb/s和40 Gb/s的RZ格式的波长转换和40 Gb/s的载波抑制归零(CSRZ)格式的波长转换,利用光纤布拉格光栅(FBG)作为带陷滤波器消除共轭光和抽运光之间的串扰.对于非归零差分相移键控(NRZ_DPSK)信号分别实现了20 Gb/s和40 Gb/s的波长转换,利用实验室自制的光纤延时干涉仪进行NRZ-DPSK信号的解调.基于FWM效应的转换光的输出消光比大于7 dB,转换后消光比退化约为3 dB.     

Parameter design and performance analysis of a ultrafast all-optical XOR gate based on quantum dot semiconductor optical amplifiers in nonlinear mach-zehnder interferometer

This paper presents the parameter design and performance analysis of a 160 Gb/s all-optical XOR gate based on cross-gain modulation (XGM) in a nonlinear Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) with quantum dot semiconductor optical amplifiers (QD-SOAs). Detailed numerical simulations of the QD-SOA parameters and optical signal parameters are performed to elevate the gate performance. With the optimized parameters, a Q factor over 8 dB is obtained. The possibility of operating at higher speed of the XOR gate is demonstrated as well. The results will be helpful for the design and performance analysis of practical quantum dot devices.     

Boost up of four wave mixing signal in semiconductor optical amplifier for 40 Gb/s optical frequency conversion

The 40 Gb/s optical frequency converter for non-return to zero differential phase shift keying (NRZ-DPSK) signal by using four wave mixing in semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) have achieved sucessfully. The optimized signal-to-pump ratio for NRZ-DPSK by using optimized SOA structure with enhanced FWM effect is also evaluated. The optimum signal-to-pump ratio is 12 dB and 10 dB with Q factor penalty of 0.685 dB and 0.663 dB. The dependence of four wave mixing efficiency and converted signal power on signal input power is studied and it is evaluated that four wave mixing efficiency decreases with increase in the input power. The impact of pump power, signal-to-pump ratio, and SOA parameters with Q factor penalty for 40 Gb/s has been illustrated. It has shown that converted signal power increases up to the saturation power of semiconductor optical amplifier, then decreases. It is observed that for the optimum pump power, OSNR of converted signal varies little with signal input power.     

基于半导体光放大器的非归零信号时钟恢复

提出了一种基于半导体光放大器加窄带光纤光栅滤波器,将非归零信号转换为伪归零信号,再把伪归零信号注入到主动锁模环行腔激光器进行时钟提取的非归零信号时钟恢复方案.利用该方案实现了10 Gb/s伪随机非归零信号的全光时钟恢复,对工作原理和结果进行了分析和讨论.实验证明该方案具有结构简单,调整容易,输出波形好的特点.