Abstract

The dynamic exchange of signals between different wavelength channels will become a crucial feature in the development of WDM optical networks. Such a wavelength conversion function will be particularly important for applications involving frequency re-use and wavelength/spatial routing. Additionally, wavelength conversion will simplify the operation of future photonic cross-connects and permit their operation in a non-blocking mode. To minimize their deleterious effects on the optical network, wavelength converters should support the leve1 of optical “transparency” required by the network and produce little degradation on the signal channel.

© 1996 Optical Society of America