Optical signal processing using integrated multi-element SOA–MZI switch arrays for packet switching

Abstract

The use of discrete but interconnected SOA-MZI switches for performing logical and highly functional processing tasks, demonstrating the multi-functional potential of the photonic switching elements is discussed. An all-optical 3R burst-mode receiver consisting of four SOA-MZI switches and operating error-free with 40 Gb/s optical bursts, proving that interconnection of multiple switching units can lead to the realisation of key network node functionalities offering increased intelligence at the physical layer is presented. In order to allow for easier interconnectivity between the SOA-MZI switches and to provide compactness and cost effectiveness to the developed subsystems, the integration of multiple switches into the same platform is proposed. To this end, the implementation of the first integrated quadruple SOA-MZI switch array is reported, increasing the integration density level and reducing packaging and pigtailing costs. Finally, possible applications of integrated multiple switch arrays are discussed, indicating their suitability for producing compact circuits performing common processing tasks in a multiwavelength environment, as well as their potential to lead to the development of an all-optical highspeed packet switched node by implementing critical packet switching functionalities in a compact and efficient way.

Special Issue on Applications of Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers

“…During recent years, the technology of semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) has remarkably been evolving and has matured to the point that it presently is established as a key enabler for the development, implementation, optimization, and overall establishment of photonic circuits, subsystems, and networks (see indicatively [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]). Owing to the remarkable advancements that have been achieved in the field, SOAs are commercially available devices that exhibit several important properties, such as strong nonlinearities, low power consumption, wavelength flexibility, large dynamic range, fast response, broadband and versatile operation, small footprint, and capability for scalable integration in single chips at affordable cost [17]. These attractive characteristics have rendered SOAs core elements for the accomplishment of critical and indispensable tasks at fundamental [18] and system-oriented [19] level.…”

Method of developing all-optical trinary JK, D-type, and T-type flip-flops using semiconductor optical amplifiers

“…These are the building blocks of all-optical packet switching and header processing based networks frequently used to temporarily store header information and route the payload to the output port [3][4][5]. Multistate optical flip-flops in this field will be very indispensable as it increases the number of possible output states of an optical packet switch [6].…”

Polarization-Insensitive Thermo-Optic Mach Zehnder Device Based on Silicon Oxinitride Waveguide with Fast Response Time

“…Space division optical switches are indispensable devices for constructing optical network nodes such as wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical path cross-connect (OXC) systems [1][2][3], reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexing (ROADM) nodes [4] with an Er CC -doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) gain equalizer [5], and packet switched optical network nodes based on multi-element semiconductor optical amplifier Mach Zehnder interferometer (SOA-MZI) switch arrays [6]. These nodes provide flexible operation, such as routing, protection, restoration, and reconfiguration, in WDM optical networks.…”

“…Large-scale integrated optical switches, such as matrix switches and 1 N switches are essential devices in the OXC nodes, which connect multichannel optical fiber networks. In this regard, the design and fabrication of compact thermo-optic waveguide switches have gained much interest to achieve such high density photonic integration [6]. The fabrications of compact and ultra-compact devices of n at 2%-16% are also possible using SiO 2 /silicon oxinitride (SiON) [7] and InP/GaAsInP material [8].…”

“…Further, it has been shown [7,12] that polarization dependence of about 2.5% between TE and TM modes arises in the conventional silica thermo-optic device due to the anisotropic stress optical effect developed with heating by thin film heater. For a large-scale photonic IC, such as 8 8 matrix switches [1,2,6], even a slight polarization dependence of phase shifters may affect the crosstalk characteristics of the circuits and also give rise to polarization dependence loss (PDL). For the design and fabrication of the compact TOMZ switch, compact 3-dB couplers must be considered.…”