Theoretical study of frequency chirping and extinction ratio of wavelength-converted optical signals by XGM and XPM using SOA's

Abstract

We develop a complete large-signal dynamic model of semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA)-based wavelength converters using cross-gain modulation (XGM) and cross-phase modulation (XPM). The large-signal dynamic model has been implemented using the modified transfer matrix method (TMM). This model takes into account longitudinal variations of carrier-induced refractive index, n-parameter, internal reflection, photon density, and amplified spontaneous emission noise at each small section. Therefore, we can accurately estimate frequency chirping, optical pulse patterns, and the extinction ratio as well as the dynamic characteristics of SOA's. Frequency chirping and the extinction ratio have been calculated for various parameters such as signal power and wavelength, CW power and wavelength, and facet reflectivity. Modulation bandwidth, defined by the 3-dB drop as the eye opening ratio (EOR) is investigated with current density, confinement factor, and cavity length.