A Single Slow-Light Element for Independent Delay Control and Synchronization on Multiple Gb/s Data Channels

Independent delay control and bit-level synchronization of multiple data channels are demonstrated through a single stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS)-based slow-light element. Multiple, independently tunable SBS gain resonances are generated in a single piece of highly nonlinear fiber from multiple SBS pumps. Each pump is broadened by noise modulating the laser current so that the bandwidth is compatible with high-speed gigabit-per-second data signals. Bit-level synchronization on three 2.5-Gb/s nonreturn-to-zero on-off keying channels shows independent and continuous delay control of up to 112ps. Bit-error-rate measurement on the synchronized channels shows 3.5-dB power penalty. Effect of one channel on the other channel´s delay is also investigated and the reason is attributed to the nonlinear crosstalk.