SOA-based devices for all-optical signal processing

Development of all-optical and wavelength domain multiplexing (WDM) networks requires numerous and diversified optical processing functions like wavelength conversion, regeneration, add&drop, time domain multiplexing or logic functions. A fast all-optical signal processing functions realized with nonlinear semiconductor optical amplifiers, particularly those associated to interferometric structures, are presented. Different integration schemes are compared with criteria concerning device insertion in systems. SOA-MZI assembles the interests of the technology simplicity and maturity, the design modularity and the use simplicity including standard mode 40 Gb/s operation.