Applications and Functionalities

Abstract

Realization of future all-optical switching networks regardless of their exact operational specifications strongly depends on all-optical signal processing methods and elements. Advanced all-optical signal processing functions such as all-optical header recognition, buffer, switching, wavelength conversion, logic gates, flip-flop memory, etc. should be realized. In particular, wavelength conversion is very crucial in all of optical switching schemes including optical circuit switching, optical burst switching and optical packet switching. All-optical signal processing functions are usually performed using nonlinear optical effects that occur in a device under certain conditions. All-optical signal processing based on optical fibers profit several advantages such as easy coupling to the transmission link, low operation noise and ultrafast nonlinear phenomena (tens of femotoseconds) which make them attractive for high-speed all-optical signal processing beyond 1 Tb/s. However, these elements suffer from bulky nature of fiber-based devices which is demanded for observation of noticeable nonlinear effect and prevent the integration of the processing unit. Also, due to small nonlinear coefficient, the input optical power (usually more than 20 dBm) is too high for practical application in ultra-high bit rate all-optical signal processing systems.