Abstract

Wavelength conversion allows wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) networks to scale while avoiding blocking due to wavelength contentions.¹ Transparent WDM networks can route signals of various formats and protocols, and facilitate network evolutions with full interoperability. Wavelength conversion may be the first obstacle in realizing a transparent network. Among numerous wavelength conversion techniques reported to date, only a few techniques offer strict transparency. Wavelength conversion by difference frequency generation (DFG)^2,3 offers a full range of transparency without adding excess noise to the signal.⁴ In this paper, we discuss transparent, multiwavelength, polarization-insensitive (optical power), and polarization-diversified (optical field) DFG wavelength conversion in AlGaAs waveguides.

© 1996 Optical Society of America