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Optical signal processing using nonlinear fibers

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Journal of Optical and Fiber Communications Reports

Abstract

Ultra-fast optical signal processing is a promising technology for future photonic networks. This paper describes possible applications of nonlinear fibers to optical signal processing. The third-order optical nonlinearities in a fiber are discussed by analyzing the interaction of co-propagating optical waves. The properties of a nonlinear fiber are then considered in terms of optimizing the dispersion for achieving phase matching and decreasing walk-off. A highly nonlinear fiber (HNLF) is a practical candidate for an ultra-high-speed signal processor. Using HNLF, the following experiments are successfully demonstated: ultra-broadband wavelength conversion/optical phase conjugation by four-wave mixing, 160 Gb/s optical 3R-regeneration, and optical switching up to 640 Gb/s using a parametric amplified fiber switch. Steps for further improvements are also discussed.

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  1. Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., Photonics Networking Laboratories (L-50), 4-1-1 Kamikodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki 211-8588, Japan

    Shigeki Watanabe

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Watanabe, S. Optical signal processing using nonlinear fibers. J Optic Comm Rep 3, 1–24 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10297-005-0039-z

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