Wavelength conversion of SCM signals using semiconductor optical amplifiers: theory, experiments, and applications

• Published in: Journal of lightwave technology Vol. 21; no. 4; pp. 961 - 972
• Main Authors: Capmany, J., Sales, S., Pastor, D., Martinez, A., Ortega, B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01.04.2003; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Broadcasting. Videocommunications. Audiovisual; Channels; Conversion; Distortion; Equations; Exact sciences and technology; Harmonic distortion; Information, signal and communications theory; Intermodulation distortion; Mathematical models; Modulation; Modulation, demodulation; Nonlinear optics; Optical distortion; Optical modulation; Optical wavelength conversion; Predictive models; Semiconductor optical amplifiers; Semiconductors; Signal and communications theory; Stimulated emission; Systems, networks and services of telecommunications; Telecommunications; Telecommunications and information theory; Television; Transmission and modulation (techniques and equipments); Wavelengths; Performance evaluation; Phase modulation; Third order; Television applications; Cable television; Optical signal; wavelength conversion; Semiconductor amplifier; semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs); Theoretical model; Cross modulation; Subcarrier multiplexing; Optical amplifier; Harmonic distortion; Intermodulation; Signal conversion; Optical modulation; Microwave photonics
• ISSN: 0733-8724; 1558-2213
• DOI: 10.1109/JLT.2003.810088

In this paper, we deal with the subject of cross-gain modulation (XGM) and cross-phase modulation (XPM) semiconductor optical amplifier-based wavelength conversion of optical channels carrying subcarrier multiplexing signals in a comprehensive way. The equations and models that describe the conversion process and the resulting harmonic and intermodulation distortions are obtained showing the superior performance of XPM over XGM in terms of secondand third-order distortion and contrast ratio. Experimental results for XGM-based wavelength conversion that confirm the results predicted by our theoretical models are presented, and finally, we consider the specific application of wavelength conversion of optical channels carrying full frequency plans such as that of cable television applications.