Polarization-insensitive 160-Gb/s wavelength converter with all-optical repolarizing function using...

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Photonics
• Nonlinear Optics

Background:

• High-speed optical communication systems require efficient wavelength conversion techniques.
• Polarization sensitivity remains a challenge in optical signal processing, impacting system performance.
• Developing novel nonlinear optical fibers is crucial for advancing photonic network capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize a circular-birefringence highly nonlinear fiber (CB-HNLF).
• To demonstrate error-free, pulsewidth-maintaining wavelength conversion of a 160-Gb/s signal using the fabricated CB-HNLF.
• To showcase the ultrafast repolarizing functionality of the developed scheme for optical networks.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a CB-HNLF by twisting a commercial silica-based highly nonlinear fiber.
• Utilizing cross-phase modulation within a 100-m-long CB-HNLF.
• Employing subsequent optical filtering for signal processing and analysis.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of CB-HNLF with a nonlinear coefficient of 12 /W/km.
• Achieved error-free wavelength conversion of a 160-Gb/s signal with pulsewidth maintenance.
• Demonstrated low polarization sensitivity (0.7 dB) and ultrafast all-optical repolarization.

Conclusions:

• The developed CB-HNLF and wavelength conversion scheme offer simplicity, stability, and high performance.
• The ultrafast repolarizing capability enhances the robustness of optical signals.
• The scheme is highly attractive for future implementation in advanced photonic networks.