Simple rules for optimizing asymmetries in SOA-based Mach-Zehnder wavelength converters
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Date
2009-04-24
Authors
Dailey, James M.
Koch, Thomas L.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IEEE
Published Version
Abstract
We present an analysis of semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) based differential Mach-Zehnder wavelength converters with a specific focus on optimizing performance through intentional asymmetries in optical power splitting, SOA bias, and interferometer phase bias. By introducing a simple conceptual framework for understanding the amplifier pulse dynamics, two simple yet effective design rules are derived. These design rules are validated using pseudo-random code in a comprehensive computer model, demonstrating the performance penalties that result when attempting optimization using only unequal SOA biasing or phase biasing. This work illustrates that dramatic improvements in extinction and eye margin can be achieved with optimized splitter asymmetries, and has significant implications for improved network performance and converter cascadability.
Description
Keywords
Optical Frequency Conversion , Optoelectronic devices , Optical Switches , Semiconductor Optical Amplifier
Citation
Dailey, J.M., Koch, T.L. (2009) 'Simple Rules for Optimizing Asymmetries in SOA-Based Mach-Zehnder Wavelength Converters'. Journal of Lightwave Technology, 27 (11):1480-1488. doi: 10.1109/JLT.2009.2012875
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Copyright
© 2009 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.