Amplification and transformation of optical signals based on integrated-optical Mach-Zehnder interferometer application in optical communication networks

Abstract

We offer a new multipurpose integrated-optic device based on the Mach-Zehnder interferometer for transformation and amplification of optical signals in optical networks. The device is named the optical transistor with completely optical operation, and provides as amplification no more than 10-11 dB/m, as broadband microwave modulation (MWM) of optical signals. The opportunity for use of the optical transistor in optical integrated circuits for cascade amplification and switching 2/spl times/2 signals is shown.