Abstract

In future optical networks, all-optical switching nodes could degrade optical signals due to optical path reconfiguration, signal mux/demux processing, and wavelength conversion if these nodes are constructed only with analog optical devices.¹ One solution is the use of photonic digital devices. We have developed a side-injection-light-controlled bistable laser diode (SILC-BLD) that works as a wavelength convertor with a digital signal regeneration device.^2,3 This device has the advantages of optical gain, no crosstalk, and functional integration for logical applications; however, the switching optical sensitivity, output signal gain, a signal bit rate were too low for practical use. In this paper, we introduce a pn-buried SILC-BLD which realize higher sensitivity, larger output level, higher response frequency than the ridge one. A wavelength conversion module with pigtail fibers for stable response has been built using this device.

© 1995 IEEE