Abstract

Future time-division multiplexed (TDM) optical communications networks operating at >0.1 Tbit/s will require all-optical demultiplexing techniques. A variety of light-by-light demultiplexers have been proposed and demonstrated, with the most successful based on the all-fiber nonlinear optical loop mirror.¹ In this paper we report a NOLM-based demultiplexer using orthogonally polarized signal and control streams, and operating in the soliton regime. Polarization multiplexing of control and signal ensures high ON/OFF extinction while allowing single wavelength operation. We show that soliton operation yields high contrast and good efficiency compared with operation in the dispersion dominated regimes, using acceptably short lengths of a standard step index single-mode switching fiber.

© 1996 Optical Society of America