Photonics Technology

Summary form only given. We propose an architecture for a wavelength interchanging cross-connect (WIXC) that performs space cross-connection as well as wavelength interchange. The architecture uses difference frequency generation (DFG) λ-converters, which offer a number of unique properties not available in conventional wavelength converters. Besides a strictly transparent conversion process, these properties include simultaneous conversion of multiple wavelengths and a "mirror image" mapping function for the converted wavelengths. Despite the significant potential of DFG wavelength converters, there has been no cross-connect architecture to exploit their unique properties.

We present an all-optical in-band optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) monitor using a nonlinear optical loop mirror. Monitoring is enabled from the nonlinear power transfer function of the loop mirror. Experimental results are provided at 40 Gb/s for three modulation formats: nonreturn-to-zero, carrier-suppressed return-to-zero, and return-to-zero. The monitor discriminates the various OSNR levels over a dynamic range of more than 25

INTRODUCTION HE erbium-doped fiber amplifier has much potential as a T high-gain optical amplifier in optical communication sys- ... MODEL The model for the EDFA, used in the analysis, assumes that the Er3+-ions acts as a 3-level laser system when pump-ing at ...

The effects of channel loss on an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) in an eight-channel WDM network are investigated. For the loss of 1, 4, or 7 channels, the surviving channels suffer power transients which can be both large and relatively fast. The experiments agree well with a simple analytical model of the amplifier. Pump control, if it is fast enough, is demonstrated to limit the power excursion of the surviving channels.

This study develops an all-optical high-sensitivity pressure sensor based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) encapsulated in a polymer-half-filled metal cylinder. The polymer can be pressurized along one radial direction only, and responds to an axial force on the round plate, creating an axial stretched-strain on the FBG. The measured pressure sensitivity is 2.2×10-2 MPa-1, which is 10 900 times higher than for a bare FBG. Owing to its good linearity, this sensor can be applied to measure medium pressure, liquid level, and depth underwater.