All-optical mach-zehnder wavelength converter with monolithically integrated laser
US6208454A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/212
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A wavelength converter incorporating an on-chip integrated laser for use in an optical system. The converter includes a first port for receiving an optical input signal such as a WDM signal and providing it to an interferometer, and an output port for outputting a signal which is a wavelength-converted version of the input signal. An optical source or laser is fabricated on the chip substrate on which the interferometer is formed for providing operating power to the interferometer. Power levels of the input signal are maintained by adjusting an on-chip semiconductor optical amplifier that receives the optical input signal and provides the amplified signal to the interferometer. In an alternative embodiment, the on-chip optical source is replaced by an on-chip pre-amplifier for an external laser source.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.