Title :
All-Optical Variable Buffer Based on Semiconductor Optical Amplifier
Author :
Berrettini, Gianluca ; Meloni, Gianluca ; Potì, Luca ; Bogoni, Antonella
Author_Institution :
Scuola Superiore Sant´´Anna, Pisa, Italy
fDate :
4/1/2011 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
An all-optical solution for packet buffering in optical packet switching (OPS) nodes is here proposed. Discrete variable delays are obtained by exploiting an optically controlled fiber loop. Semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) are used as switching gates in order to store or route the packet to the buffer output. Cross gain modulation effect is responsible for SOA-based switching, thus allowing for polarization and wavelength independent operation in the whole C-band. A maximum storage time of 50 μs is demonstrated without significant signal degradation. Performances are evaluated in terms of bit error rate measurements for 10 Gb/s non-return-to-zero data payload, providing an optical signal-to-noise ratio penalty lower than 3 dB after 10 rounds. Cross talk measurements confirm the scheme suitability for OPS applications. The proposed solution is particularly attractive in slotted OPS nodes architectures where packet contention would be managed entirely in the optical domain.
Keywords :
buffer storage; error statistics; optical communication equipment; optical crosstalk; optical delay lines; optical fibre communication; optical fibre polarisation; optical modulation; optical switches; packet switching; semiconductor optical amplifiers; all-optical variable buffer; bit error rate; bit rate 10 Gbit/s; cross gain modulation effect; cross talk; discrete variable delays; nonreturn-to-zero data payload; optical packet switching; optically controlled fiber loop; packet buffering; polarization; semiconductor optical amplifier; switching gates; wavelength independent operation; Adaptive optics; Bit error rate; Optical buffering; Optical packet switching; Optical polarization; Optical switches; Semiconductor optical amplifiers; Buffer memories; delay system; gain control; packet switching; semiconductor optical amplifier;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
DOI :
10.1109/JQE.2010.2092752