DYNAMIC OPERATION OF A 3-PORT, INTEGRATED MACH-ZEHNDER WAVELENGTH CONVERTER

Wavelength conversion using semiconductor optical amplifiers monolithically integrated in a three-port Mach-Zehnder configuration is achieved for data rates of 1 and 2.5 Gb/s, The three-port configuration allows efficient use of pump signal power, as well, as counter-propagation of pump and converted signals, eliminating the need for a filter, Operation of the device at 5 Gb/s in a two-port configuration is also achieved. Dynamic extinction ratios larger than 13 dB, as well as both data-inverting and noninverting operation are demonstrated.