40 Gb/s all-optical unicast and multicast wavelength converter array on an InP monolithically integrated chip...

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Optical Communications
• Integrated Optics

Background:

• Wavelength converters are crucial for optical network flexibility.
• Monolithic integration offers scalability and cost-effectiveness.
• Advanced modulation formats like NRZ and RZ require high-performance converters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and validate a monolithically integrated all-optical wavelength converter array chip.
• To demonstrate its performance for both unicast and multicast wavelength conversion.
• To assess its capabilities at various data rates and modulation formats.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an Indium Phosphide (InP) chip with semiconductor optical amplifiers, arrayed-waveguide grating, and delayed interferometers on a multi-project wafer (MPW) platform.
• Experimental validation of unicast and multicast wavelength conversion.
• Testing with non-return-to-zero (NRZ) and return-to-zero (RZ) data at 10, 20, and 40 Gb/s using pseudorandom bit sequences.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated error-free NRZ unicast wavelength conversion at 10, 20, and 40 Gb/s over a 25-nm range.
• Achieved low power penalties: 2.3 dB for NRZ and 2.7 dB for RZ unicast at 40 Gb/s.
• Obtained power penalties of 2.5 dB (NRZ) and 3.2 dB (RZ) for 1 × 2 multicast conversion at 40 Gb/s.

Conclusions:

• The monolithically integrated InP chip effectively performs all-optical unicast and multicast wavelength conversion.
• The demonstrated performance supports high-speed optical networking applications.
• MPW fabrication enables efficient development and deployment of advanced photonic integrated circuits.