Wavelength conversion techniques

Summary form only given. This tutorial will review the techniques demonstrated for wavelength conversion, including cross-gain or cross-phase modulation in semiconductor optical amplifiers or laser diodes, cross-phase modulation in optical fibers, and techniques based on coherent nonlinear interactions, such as four-wave mixing effects and difference frequency generation. The advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches to wavelength conversion, especially concerning the issues of signal transparency and signal degradation, will be evaluated.