All-optical modulation format conversion and multicasting using injection-locked laser diodes

The functionality of optical modulation format conversion and wavelength conversion will be needed in next-generation wavelength routers. This paper describes a new approach for return-to-zero to nonreturn-to-zero format conversion using a birefringent fiber and an injection-locked Fabry-Pe´rot laser diode. This paper also describes the demonstration of an all-optical multicaster based on a similar technique. Error-free operations were confirmed in the format converted and in every channel of the 8 × 10-Gb/s multicast outputs.