Broad-band all-optical wavelength conversion using an electroabsorption modulator integrated DFB LD

Abstract

Summary form only given. Recently, all-optical wavelength conversion devices are attractive in the wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) systems. The shifting of an optical signal wavelength could be essential technology for managing the future WDM network. Various wavelength converters have been introduced using the nonlinear effect of XGM, XPM, XAM and FWM or DBR laser. However, the range of wavelength conversion of these converters is not enough for the WDM system. We propose the new concept of broad-band all-optical wavelength converter using an electroabsorption (EA) modulator-integrated DFB laser diode (EMILD). We use the DFB laser as a probe light and an EA modulator as an amplifier. Unlike the conventional use of the EMILD for a high-speed modulated light source, it might be used as a broad-band wavelength converter. In this wavelength converter, the shorter wavelength input signal from the DFB gain peak is boosted and the conversion efficiency become enhanced because the gain peak of the forward biased EA modulator section is largely detuned from the DFB gain peak.