100-GHz Grid-Aligned Multi-Channel Polarization Insensitive Black-Box Wavelength Converter

Author

Rancano, V.J.F. ; Parmigiani, F. ; Petropoulos, P. ; Richardson, D.J.

Author_Institution

Optoelectron. Res. Centre, Univ. of Southampton, Southampton, UK

Volume

32

Issue

17

fYear

2014

fDate

Sept.1, 1 2014

Firstpage

3027

Lastpage

3035

Abstract

A new scheme for a flexible modulation and bit rate independent, polarization-insensitive optical wavelength converter (WC) based on four-wave mixing in a highly nonlinear fiber is demonstrated and characterized for different modulation formats and data rates. Its robustness is demonstrated in a data transmission experiment in which the WC is incorporated at the mid-point of a transmission line based on installed fiber. In addition, an optical feedback system designed to prevent slow polarization drift of the pumps, and consequently, to ensure the long-term stability of the system is implemented and characterized. The WC is tested with the feedback system in place enabling turn-key operation.

Keywords

multiwave mixing; optical communication equipment; optical feedback; optical fibre communication; optical fibre polarisation; optical modulation; optical wavelength conversion; data rates; flexible modulation; four-wave mixing; frequency 100 GHz; highly nonlinear fiber; modulation formats; multichannel polarization insensitive black-box wavelength converter; optical feedback system; slow polarization drift; transmission line; turn-key operation; Arrayed waveguide gratings; Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers; Gain; Modulation; Optical fiber networks; Optical fiber polarization; Optical wavelength conversion; Four-wave mixing (FWM); nonlinear optics; wavelength conversion devices;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Lightwave Technology, Journal of

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0733-8724

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/JLT.2014.2324278

Filename

6815654